Long COVID: A risk factor for anxiety, depression, and suicidality?
Neslihan Özçelik1, Songül Özyurt1, Elvan Şentürk Topaloğlu1
1Department of Pulmonology, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Training and Research Hospital, Rize, Turkey.
Summary
Long COVID symptoms are linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, particularly in females. Early awareness and intervention are crucial for mental health support in COVID-19 survivors.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Persistent symptoms post-COVID-19 infection, known as long COVID, affect a significant number of survivors.
- Mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, are increasingly recognized as potential long-term consequences of COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between long COVID symptoms, mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation), and sociodemographic factors.
- To identify risk factors contributing to mental health challenges in individuals experiencing long COVID.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 490 COVID-19 survivors evaluated at least 3 months post-infection.
- Data collected via face-to-face questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, persistent symptoms, The Beck Depression Scale (BDS), The Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS), and suicidal ideation.
Main Results:
- 30% of participants scored positive for depression (BDS), and 46% exhibited high anxiety levels (BAS).
- Female sex was identified as a significant risk factor.
- Anxiety and depression were strongly associated with long COVID symptoms. Higher BAS and BDS scores were observed in individuals with suicidal ideation, with long-term symptoms also linked to suicidality.
Conclusions:
- Depression and anxiety are prevalent in long COVID patients, necessitating clinical attention.
- Healthcare professionals must be vigilant for mental health consequences, especially suicidal ideation, and implement timely support and interventions for long COVID survivors.
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