Lee RY, et al. - In this prospective cohort study conducted in Seattle, WA, researchers examined family members of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) survivors in order to determine patient- and family-member risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. An inception cohort of adult ARDS survivors who identified family members involved in ICU and post-ICU care was assembled from 2010 to 2015. Corresponding to 120 patients, 162 family members were enrolled. Six months following patient discharge, self-reported psychologic symptoms were evaluated in family members. A high prevalence of long-term PTSD symptoms was reported among family members of ARDS survivors. An increased risk for PTSD symptoms was observed among family members with preexisting mental health disorders, recent experiences of serious physical illness, and family members of previously healthy patients.