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Post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with rheumatic disease during the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional

Xin Wu1, Xuqiang Geng1, Zhilei Shang2

  • 1Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.

BMJ Open
|March 31, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Patients with rheumatic disease (RD) experienced higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep disturbances during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to healthy individuals. This highlights the need for mental health support for RD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Rheumatology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic presented a collective stressor with significant mental health implications.
  • Patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) may be particularly vulnerable to psychological distress during health crises.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mental health status of patients with RD during the COVID-19 outbreak in China.
  • To compare the prevalence and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in RD patients versus healthy individuals.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 486 RD patients and 486 matched healthy controls.
  • Utilized the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess PTSD and sleep quality.
  • Collected demographic and clinical data, including disease duration and subjective evaluations.

Main Results:

  • RD patients showed a significantly higher prevalence of PTSD (12.1% vs 4.1%) compared to controls.
  • RD patients reported higher PTSD severity scores and poorer sleep quality.
  • Identified risk factors for PTSD in RD patients included female sex, older age, poor sleep, long disease duration, and negative disease/epidemic perceptions.

Conclusions:

  • Patients with RD experienced increased PTSD and sleep disturbances during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Psychological assessment and mental healthcare are crucial for RD patients during public health crises.
  • Findings underscore the need for integrated mental health services beyond routine clinical care for vulnerable populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19MENTAL HEALTHRHEUMATOLOGY

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