Posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in coronavirus disease-2019 survivors among resident doctors

Abstract

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe but treatable mental disorder that usually develops after a life-threatening traumatic event. Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) especially when the patient requires hospitalization can be a potentially traumatic experience. Many people experienced it to be physically as well as emotionally exhausting and suffered from symptoms suggestive of PTSD. Secondary depression may also occur due to losses and suffering associated with COVID-19 infection. This study aimed at finding the prevalence of PTSD and depression in COVID-19 survivors. Materials and Methods: After permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee, 70 participants (resident medical doctors) who recovered from COVID-19 infection were interviewed after obtaining their written informed consent, along with the semi-structured proforma and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale Self Report for DSM 5 (PSS-SR5) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Data collected were analyzed statistically and results were obtained. Results: Out of 70 participants, 1.42% had PTSD and 2.85% had subthreshold PTSD. The most common symptom of PTSD was unwanted upsetting memories about the time spent during the COVID-19 infection. Approximately 5.7% had depression (HDRS score >7); out of which 75% were males and 25% were females. The most common depressive symptom reported was insomnia. There was a positive correlation between a family history of COVID-19, hospitalization, and PTSD. Conclusion: A total of 4.2% participants had PTSD symptoms and 5% had depression. Although the prevalence is less, it is important to assess the patients with COVID-19 even after recovery for the development of psychiatric disorders like PTSD and depression so as to intervene at the earliest.