Psychological trauma and depression in recovered COVID-19 patients: A telecommunication based observational study.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is adversely affecting the mental health of the patients infected with the virus and the psychological impact on recovered COVID-19 patients is not clear. The study aimed to assess Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression among COVID-19 patients post recovery from the disease. The cross-sectional study was conducted from November 09, 2020, to December 23, 2020. The study enrolled recovered COVID-19 patients through telemedicine mode from the database of patients provided by the health authorities. National Stressful Events Survey PTSD Short Scale [NSESSS] for adults was used for assessing PTSD symptoms and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used for assessing depression. The study enrolled 503 recovered COVID-19 patients with a mean age of 41.90 years. The majority were asymptomatic (64.6%) while 21.5% developed moderate to severe form of the disease. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms and depression was found to be 56.9% and 29.0% respectively. COVID-19 patients with severe form of disease were significantly more affected with PTSD symptoms [vs mild, Odds Ratio (OR)= 18.7, Confidence Interval (CI)= 9.9-35.5] and depression (vs mild, OR= 19.8, CI= 9.9-39.5). Similarly, the patients who required oxygen or ventilator support reported a significantly higher PTSD symptoms (vs managed at home, OR= 17.4, CI= 8.3-36.4) and depression (vs managed at home, OR= 22.0, CI= 10.1-47.7). The study reported that recovered COVID-19 patients suffered from a significant amount of depression and experienced significant PTSD symptoms. It will help in addressing a major psychological concern among the recovered subjects.