Impacts of Psychological Support on the Recovery of Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Mental health plays a fundamental role in the recovery process of patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), especially in contexts of high clinical complexity. This study aimed to analyze the impacts of psychological support on the recovery of ICU patients through an integrative literature review. The search was conducted in scientific databases, including PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and Web of Science, considering studies published between 2020 and 2025, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The analysis of the selected studies revealed that ICU hospitalization is associated with significant psychological distress, such as anxiety, depression, and emotional instability, which may negatively affect treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. Psychological support was identified as an essential component of care, contributing to emotional regulation, development of coping strategies, and better adaptation to hospitalization. Furthermore, the presence of psychologists in multidisciplinary teams was associated with improvements in clinical indicators, including reduced length of stay and better patient engagement in treatment. The findings also highlight the importance of family support and effective communication as elements that contribute to humanized care. It is concluded that psychological support plays a crucial role in promoting comprehensive and effective recovery in ICU settings, reinforcing the importance of integrating mental health care into hospital practices.