Introduction
Following critical illness and intensive care unit (ICU) admission requiring mechanical ventilation, American adults are sometimes prescribed psychoactive medications (PM) such as anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sleep aids. These drugs can be essential for managing symptoms like anxiety, depression, psychosis, or sleep disturbances, which may arise as complications of critical illness, sedation, or prolonged hospitalization. However, appropriate prescribing should be supported by clear, documented diagnoses to justify their use, ensuring patient safety and avoiding unnecessary pharmacological exposures.
