Covid-19 hospital patients ‘suffer post-traumatic stress disorder’

Covid-19 patients admitted to hospital can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly if they require a ventilator, new research suggests.

Those admitted to hospital can suffer extensive symptoms of PTSD, according to the study, including intrusive thoughts or imagery, waves of strong feelings, being easily startled, trying to “erase” memories and avoiding talking about what happened.

The research, published in the journal BJPsych Open from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, was based on 13,049 survivors in the UK who had had suspected or confirmed coronavirus.

Of these, 3,466 (27%) reported breathing problems but had not required medical input, 176 (1%) had had breathing problems and had assistance at home, 147 (1%) were admitted to hospital but did not need a ventilator, and 60 (0.5%) were put on a hospital ventilator.

The study found that 35% of those put on a ventilator experienced extensive PTSD symptoms alongside 18% of patients who were admitted to hospital without requiring a ventilator.

We can see that the pandemic is likely to be having an acute and lasting impact, including for a significant proportion of patients who remained at home with respiratory problems and received no medical help

Extensive symptoms of PTSD were also found among patients given medical help at home (16%) and patients who required no help at home but experienced breathing problems (11%).

Overall, 41% of all Covid patients experienced at least one symptom to an extremely high degree, with the most common being intrusive images or “flashbacks”, such as of being on the intensive care ward.

Dr Adam Hampshire, from Imperial College London, who worked on the study which was carried out in May, said: “We can see that the pandemic is likely to be having an acute and lasting impact, including for a significant proportion of patients who remained at home with respiratory problems and received no medical help.

“This evidence could be important for informing future therapy and reducing the long-term health burden of this disease.”

Many of those fortunate enough to survive their ordeal will experience a significant impact on their mental health

Dr Adrian James, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “It is clear that Covid-19 can have serious mental health consequences.

“This virus isn’t just a threat to our physical health, it also poses significant risks to mental health during and following the illness.

“Over 400,000 patients have been hospitalised from Covid in the UK and sadly there will be more to come.

“Many of those fortunate enough to survive their ordeal will experience a significant impact on their mental health.

“Effective and joined-up follow-up care must be provided after discharge and mental health services must be adequately expanded to treat increasing numbers of people with PTSD symptoms.”