Association between chronic fatigue syndrome and suicidality among survivors of Middle East respiratory syndrome over a 2-year follow-up period

Abstract

Suicide is an important public health issue during the current pandemic of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). In EIDs, various symptoms persist even after recovery, and chronic fatigue is among those that are commonly reported. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome on suicidality during the recovery phase among survivors of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). MERS survivors were recruited from five centers and prospectively followed up for 2 years. In total, 63 participants were registered at 12 months (T1), of whom 53 and 50 completed the assessments at 18 months (T2) and 24 months (T3), respectively. Suicidality and chronic fatigue were evaluated using the suicidality module of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), respectively. We analyzed the relationship between chronic fatigue and suicidality during the follow-up period using the generalized estimating equation (GEE). The suicidality rates were 22.2% (n = 14), 15.1% (n = 8), and 10.0% (n = 5) at T1–T3, respectively. Of the 63 participants, 29 had chronic fatigue syndrome at T1. The group that reported chronic fatigue syndrome at T1 was more likely to experience suicidality during the 2-year follow-up than the group that reported otherwise (RR: 7.5, 95% CI: 2.4–23.1). This association was present even after adjusting for potential confounders (RR: 7.6, 95% CI: 2.2-26.0). Chronic fatigue syndrome and suicide risk among emerging infectious disease (EID) survivors should be acknowledged, and effective interventions must be developed.

Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome

“…Many viruses (especially Epstein–Barr virus and cytomegalovirus) have been implicated in the emergence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) [ 140 , 141 ]. It has also been described in patients with MERS-CoV infection [ 142 ] and SARS-CoV infection [ 143 , 144 ]. ME/CFS is a poorly understood multisystem disorder that includes severe fatigue, post-exertion malaises and pain, with substantial reductions in functional activity and quality of life.…”

Intimate Relationships during COVID-19 across the Genders: An Examination of the Interactions of Digital Dating, Sexual Behavior, and Mental Health

“…Suicidality poses another concern in relation to COVID-19. A study correlating suicidality in MERS survivors in South Korea outlined that 10-22% experienced suicidality (including suicidal ideation and suicide attempts) after recovering from the illness, due to its associations with chronic fatigue and the disruption of daily life, heightening suicide risks (Ahn et al 2021). With millions of recovered COVID-19 survivors worldwide (Statista 2021), there is scope to explore the role of intimate relationships as protective factors against the negative psychological effects of COVID-19.…”

Long COVID and postcovid syndrome as a multidisciplinary problem

“…Многие вирусы (особенно вирус Эпштейна -Барр и цитомегаловирус) причастны к возникновению миалгического энцефаломиелита / синдрома хронической усталости (МЭ/СХУ) [125,126]. Он также был описан у пациентов с инфекцией MERS-CoV и инфекцией SARS-CoV [127][128][129].…”