Anxiety and depression in COVID-19 survivors

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> The spreading of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic could be associated with psychiatric implications. We investigated the psychopathological impact of COVID-19 in survivors. <b>Methods:</b> This is a prospective study that included&nbsp;150 patients at one month follow-up after hospital treatment. These patients answered the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) questionnaire. We collected sociodemographic information, clinical data, baseline inflammatory markers and follow-up oxygen saturation levels. <b>Results:</b> A total of 150 patients had been included. Patients were 57.3% female, and had a mean age of 59.4±13years. A total of 48.6% of patients (n =73) had the diagnosis of anxiety disorder (AD) according to HADS questionnaire. A total of 52% of patients (n =78) had the diagnosis of AD. Moderate anxiety was found in 31.3% of the cases (n =47). Severe anxiety was found in 17.3% of cases (n=26). A total of 52% of patients (n =78) had the diagnosis of depression disorder (DD). Both moderate and severe depression was found in 52% of cases. <b>Conclusion:</b> we suggest assessing psychopathology of COVID-19 survivors, to diagnose and treat emergent psychiatric conditions, monitoring their changes over time, with the aim of reducing the disease burden, which is expected to be very high in patients with psychiatric conditions.