Andy
Retired committee member
Full title: The high mental health burden of “Long COVID” and its association with on-going physical and respiratory symptoms in all adults discharged from hospital
Background
During previous severe coronavirus outbreaks, 15% of survivors suffered from depression and 33% from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a mean follow-up of 22.6 and 32.2 months respectively [1]. A recent systematic review identified that whilst physical symptoms receive most attention, the effects of COVID-19 upon mental health may be equally important [2]. One meta-analysis estimated the prevalence of depression and PTSD in the general public during this pandemic at 24% and 15% respectively [3]. In adults with pre-existing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the prevalence of depression and PTSD was 31.5% and 11.3% respectively [4]. For patients with acute COVID-19 infection, this increased to 42% for depression and 96% for symptoms consistent with PTSD [3].
There are little data on psychiatric ill-health in adults recovering from COVID-19, especially in those with symptoms weeks to months after their initial infection or “Long COVID” [5]. One study suggested these adults are more likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric conditions, with an estimated incidence of mood disorders of 9.9%. However, this was suggested to be under-estimated as it relied on reporting via electronic health data rather than active screening of symptoms [6].
Open access, https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2021/02/11/13993003.04364-2020
Background
During previous severe coronavirus outbreaks, 15% of survivors suffered from depression and 33% from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a mean follow-up of 22.6 and 32.2 months respectively [1]. A recent systematic review identified that whilst physical symptoms receive most attention, the effects of COVID-19 upon mental health may be equally important [2]. One meta-analysis estimated the prevalence of depression and PTSD in the general public during this pandemic at 24% and 15% respectively [3]. In adults with pre-existing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the prevalence of depression and PTSD was 31.5% and 11.3% respectively [4]. For patients with acute COVID-19 infection, this increased to 42% for depression and 96% for symptoms consistent with PTSD [3].
There are little data on psychiatric ill-health in adults recovering from COVID-19, especially in those with symptoms weeks to months after their initial infection or “Long COVID” [5]. One study suggested these adults are more likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric conditions, with an estimated incidence of mood disorders of 9.9%. However, this was suggested to be under-estimated as it relied on reporting via electronic health data rather than active screening of symptoms [6].
Open access, https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2021/02/11/13993003.04364-2020
