A pilot study exploring mood state and dyspnea in mechanically ventilated patients.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to explore preweaning mood state and dyspnea in mechanically ventilated patients.


METHODS
Before ventilatory weaning, 21 critically ill patients completed the short profile of mood states (higher scores equal greater disturbance), and a 10 cm dyspnea visual analogue scale (none to extremely severe). Weaning outcome at 24 hours was recorded.


RESULTS
The mean +/- SD total mood disturbance (possible range, 0 to 16) and subscale scores (possible range, 0 to 4) were as follows: total, 6.10 +/- 4.06; tension, 1.07 +/- 0.64; depression, 1.16 +/- 0. 93; anger, 1.05 +/- 0.82; vigor, 1.04 +/- 0.84; fatigue, 1.96 +/- 0. 90; and confusion, 1.27 +/- 0.91. Mean dyspnea was 3.22 +/- 2.26 cm. Dyspnea intensity correlated negatively with vigor (r = -0.38, P <. 10). Lower preweaning vigor tended to differentiate successful from unsuccessful weaning (Mann-Whitney U = 22.0; P =.07).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients who weaned successfully experienced greater mood disturbance. Moderate mood disturbance may be a necessary stimulus for successful weaning.
Connelly
B
B
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
Gunzerath
L
L
Knebel
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000523:psychology*; D015300:Ventilator Weaning / Q000523:psychology