Comorbidity of long COVID and psychiatric disorders after a hospitalisation for COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivesLong COVID is a major public health issue. Whether long COVID is comorbid with psychiatric disorders remains unclear. Here, we investigate the association between long COVID, psychiatric symptoms and psychiatric disorders.DesignCross-sectional.SettingsBicêtre Hospital, France, secondary care.ParticipantsOne hundred seventy-seven patients admitted in intensive care unit during acute phase and/or reporting long COVID complaints were assessed 4 months after hospitalisation for an acute COVID.Main outcome measuresEight long COVID complaints were investigated: fatigue, respiratory and cognitive complaints, muscle weakness, pain, headache, paraesthesia and anosmia. The number of complaints, the presence/absence of each COVID-19 complaint as well as lung CT scan abnormalities and objective cognitive impairment) were considered. Self-reported psychiatric symptoms were assessed with questionnaires. Experienced psychiatrists assessed Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition-based diagnoses of psychiatric disorders.ResultsOne hundred and fifteen (65%) patients had at least one long COVID complaint. The number of long COVID complaints was associated with psychiatric symptoms. The number of long COVID complaints was higher in patients with psychiatric disorders (mean (m) (SD)=2.47 (1.30), p<0.05), new-onset psychiatric disorders (m (SD)=2.41 (1.32), p<0.05) and significant suicide risk (m (SD)=2.67 (1.32), p<0.05) than in patients without any psychiatric disorder (m (SD)=1.43 (1.48)). Respiratory complaints were associated with a higher risk of psychiatric disorder and new-onset psychiatric disorder, and cognitive complaints were associated with a higher risk of psychiatric disorder.ConclusionsLong COVID is associated with psychiatric disorders, new-onset psychiatric disorders and suicide risk. Psychiatric disorders and suicide risk should be systematically assessed in patients with long COVID.

Psychological and Cognitive Effects of Long COVID: A Narrative Review Focusing on the Assessment and Rehabilitative Approach

“…Indeed, the incidence of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress was 42%, 31%, and 28%, respectively, in an Italian sample [ 60 ]. Considering the alarming impact of COVID-19 on mental health, Clemente et al investigated the correlation between the psychological status of patients who had recovered from the SARS-CoV-2 infection and their inflammatory status, showing that survivors are at risk of developing psychiatric sequelae, such as anxiety, depression, and somatization symptoms, as well as sleep disorders [ 61 , 62 , 63 ]. An interesting association has also been demonstrated between high ferritin blood levels and sleep disturbances, stress, depression, and suicidal ideation [ 64 , 65 ].…”

Anxiety and Depressive Symptomatology among Iranian Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 in January 2020

“…Preventive Care in Nursing and Midwifery Journal (PCNM) 2023; 13 (1) disintegration [7]. The psychiatric complications of COVID-19 encompasses widely from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, somatic symptoms, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, to delirium, psychosis and even suicidality [8][9][10][11][12]. Coupled with previous studies, there are evidences about devastating role of comorbidity in weakening the immune system, aggravating mental and physical functions and making the conditions of victims of COVID-19 more complicated [13][14][15][16].…”

Long COVID and the risk of suicide

“…A recent study examined possible association between long COVID, psychiatric symptoms and psychiatric disorders [ 9 ]. The authors found that the number of long COVID complaints was higher in patients with significant suicide risk.…”

“…There are very few publications regarding the relation between long COVID and suicide [ 3 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. This issue does not receive sufficient attention.…”