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The Potential Role of Dependency in the Weaning Process: The Case of a 57-Year-Old Woman Connected to a Mechanical Ventilator

Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel

Weaning from the mechanical ventilator is considered a difficult task, with the majority of patients remaining permanently connected to the machine. This case report demonstrates the role of dependency and denial as important factors in the weaning process from the mechanical ventilator. Supportive psychotherapy and relaxation training were provided to Rebecca (pseudonym), a 57-year-old woman connected to the mechanical ventilator. After numerous failures to wean, it was decided that Rebecca would leave the rehabilitation hospital to an assisted-living facility, connected to the mechanical ventilator. However, following a repeated discussion of Rebecca's prognosis and discharge plans, Rebecca weaned off the mechanical ventilation and made "a miraculous recovery" within days. This case study demonstrates the significant role that psychological factors play in the patient's ability to wean off the mechanical ventilator. Integrating psychology and medicine can result in better health care outcomes.

Key Words: dependent personality disorder • therapy • psychosomatic • denial • mind-body distinction • respiratory illness

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Clinical Case Studies, Vol. 6, No. 6, 459-467 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1534650107296819


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Ayalon, L. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?