New research suggests the virus may significantly increase the chances of developing a psychiatric disorder.
Johannesburg, South Africa (11 February 2021) – Many South Africans will be aware that the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, the earlier lockdown and ongoing restrictions associated with it can potentially have an impact on mental wellness and may have been advised on what they could do to mitigate it. But what of those who are actually infected by the virus; can the infection have an impact on the brain and result in mental conditions such as depression?
Dr Marshinee Naidoo, a psychiatrist who practises at Akeso Alberton mental health facility in Johannesburg, says that mental health practitioners have for some time suspected that there might be a link between the novel coronavirus and the development of mental health problems in individuals, but the latest medical studies now appear to be confirming it.
“There is much about the virus and its behaviour that is as yet unknown, and researchers are still working to establish exactly how COVID-19 may impact the mind and functioning of the brain. However, this new research suggests that people who have been ill with COVID-19 had a significant chance of developing a psychiatric disorder while battling the infection and even after recovering,” she says.
According to Dr Naidoo, a recent study published in The Lancet medical journal in November 2020, found that 18 percent of COVID-19 patients developed a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or dementia, within three months of diagnosis. They also had double the risk of those individuals who did not contract the virus.1 A recent survey from Ecuador, meanwhile, suggests that people diagnosed with COVID-19 commonly experience depression, anxiety, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder.2
“There is growing evidence that COVID-19 can affect the brain and mind of some individuals, increasing the risk of a range of psychiatric illnesses,” comments Dr Naidoo.
The Lancet study, which evaluated the health records of more than 62 000 people diagnosed with COVID-19 in the United States, suggests that nearly 6% of adults diagnosed with COVID-19 developed a psychiatric disorder, for the first time ever, within 90 days. This compared to just 3.4% of patients who did not have COVID-19. This means that those who developed COVID-19 had twice the risk of developing a mood or anxiety disorder for the very first time.
“Being diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening illness such as COVID-19 can in itself be extremely stressful. Those individuals who test positive for the virus also have to isolate themselves, which can impact their mental health. And while patients would usually look to loved ones for support while they recover, they are not able to in the case of COVID-19 infection as they need to avoid transmitting the infection. They, therefore, lack this most important means of support,” explains Dr Naidoo.
“Many COVID-19 patients, known as the ‘long haulers’, may have a range of debilitating physical symptoms that can last for many months and severely impact their daily lives. This can place additional stressors on them, including difficulties returning to their normal activities such as work, or child-minding,” she adds.
“In addition to the isolation involved, COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment are more likely to be traumatic than it is for many other medical conditions, due to the potential severity of the illness and the lack of certainty regarding its treatment and outcome.”
According to Dr Naidoo, all of these factors mean that infection can potentially have a considerable impact on the mental health of the individual who has experienced COVID-19 infection with moderate to severe symptoms, and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be particularly vulnerable to having an existing mental health condition exacerbated by an infection.
She says that there is, however, an additional aspect to being ill with the virus. Medical science has shown that COVID-19 is not necessarily just a respiratory illness but that the disease also often impacts other organs, including the brain.
“Medical researchers are still working to understand how the virus interacts with the brain and the central nervous system, but they suspect that it may in some cases inflame and cause damage to the blood supply system and lead to swelling of the brain. If the virus impacts the central nervous system in such a way, this could certainly potentially result in a psychiatric illness of one kind or another.
“Indeed, some studies show that COVID-19 patients frequently experience neurological complications, such as dizziness, confusion, delirium and other cognitive problems. A person’s sleep patterns can also be affected. This may, in turn, lead to insomnia, and develop into depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders,” notes Dr Naidoo.
Dr Naidoo says that if you develop COVID-19, it is critical to follow your doctor’s advice and ensure that you take care of your physical health. If you are concerned that infection may have negatively impacted your mental health, you should seek assistance from a mental health professional.
“Remember that it is normal for anyone to feel down at times, but a major depressive episode lasts at least a month. If you are constantly distracted from your normal roles, like work or family life, and lose interest in activities that you previously enjoyed even after recovery from COVID-19, it may be a sign of a more serious mental health condition.”
“Maintaining a healthy diet and sleep schedule, and as far as possible, trying to stay physically active, can also assist in supporting mental health. You can also try relaxation techniques, such as mindful meditation and deep breathing. Also remember that recovery from COVID-19 can take weeks and, in some cases, even months. Understanding this can assist in reducing anxiety and assisting in supporting your mental health,” she concludes.
Sources: Dr Marshinee Naidoo | Akeso Alberton
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