Assessment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Patients Who Recovered from COVID-19

Abstract

Background: It is essential to address psychological health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among patients who have recovered from COVID-19. The negative impacts on the psychological health of an individual have negative impacts on health-related quality of life. The authors aimed to assess PTSD in patients recovered from COVID-19, and COVID-19-related comorbidities. Methodology: The present study was conducted as an observational cross-sectional study on patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were discharged from Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital, both in Bhopal, India, and returning to follow-up at the medicine/psychiatry outpatient department within 6 months after discharge, during the study period of 20 months. Detailed history regarding sociodemographic variables, previous medical history, comorbidities associated with COVID-19 (e.g., mucormycosis, etc.) were noted. PTSD was assessed using the PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS). Results: A total of 120 cases, who recovered from COVID-19 infection and sought care at the authors’ centre, were included in this study, with mean age of 37.520±12.756 years. Mean PTSD score was 3.350±1.528, and PTSD was noted in 85% cases. Of these, 83.3% cases had mild, and 1.7% cases had moderate PTSD. The authors observed no significant association of sociodemographic variables with PTSD on univariate as well as multivariate analysis (p>0.05). Conclusions: Though the wave of COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, the long-term morbidities, particularly due to the impact on psychological health, are still persistent. PTSD is a common consequence following recovery from COVID-19 infection. Thus, mental health services must be provided to patients recovered from COVID-19 infection, mainly targeted at prevention of PTSD.