Post-illness anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms in COVID-19 survivors

Abstract

Respiratory infections have the potential to cause psychiatric symptoms as has been observed during previous outbreaks of respiratory infections. Similarly, the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic could also be associated with psychiatric complications. Our study therefore assesses COVID-19 survivors 3 months post-recovery for potential impact on their psychiatric states. Adult patients (n = 368) were evaluated for clinical parameters, oxygen saturation level and C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Using self-report questionnaires, PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed. Sociodemographic information was also collected. Mean follow-up CRP level was 6.73 ± 1.78 whiles mean oxygen saturation level was 97.79 ± 4.25. Symptoms for all psychiatric measures ranked significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in participants with previous psychiatric history, in females and in patients who had been hospitalized. Generally, 20.4% fell within the pathological range for PTSD; 42.93% for depression and 46.05% for anxiety. Follow-up CRP levels were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in patients with positive psychiatric history and in patients that had been hospitalized. Follow-up oxygen saturation levels were also significantly (p < 0.0023) higher in patients who had been managed at home. COVID-19 infection may impact significantly on mental health and hence, trigger PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms post-recovery.