Severe COVID-19 patients at higher risk of long-term mental health issues: study
Global News
New research shows people who tested positive for COVID-19 and were bedridden for at least seven days experienced greater levels of depression and anxiety for up to 16 months.
New research has shed more light on the long-lasting impact that severe COVID-19 illness can have on our mental health, with experts calling on greater attention to the psychological side of treatment for recovering patients.
The peer-reviewed study published in the Lancet medical journal on Monday found that people who tested positive for COVID-19 and were bedridden for at least seven days due to acute illness experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety lasting up to 16 months.
In contrast, people with mild COVID-19 infection who did not require bedrest were at a lower risk of adverse mental health outcomes.
For most patients, the symptoms of depression and anxiety subsided within two months, the study showed.
Researchers looked at data from February 2020 to August 2021, including nearly 250,000 people from six European countries, in what is one of the more comprehensive analyses of COVID-19’s long-term impact on mental health.
“There’s something a little different about COVID versus other infections like the seasonal flu that’s leaving people especially susceptible to post-COVID-19 depressive syndromes or mood disorders,” said Dr. Roger McIntyre, a professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at the University of Toronto.
The “cytokine storm” phenomenon, when the body’s immune response overreacts to an infectious agent, could be a contributing factor, said McIntyre. The severity of infection that can lead to death is also “exceedingly stressful” for people, he added.
“I think there’s genuine concerns people have about the long-term consequences of COVID, and that could be the additional stressor for them,” McIntyre said.
"Through this historic agreement, BC residents will receive public coverage for a range of contraceptives and diabetes medications at little to no cost."
Tiny lab mice just got a mammoth-sized upgrade — genetic tweaks have given them thick, woolly fur, bringing science one step closer to reviving traits of extinct species.
Ottawa says it's moving ahead with a plan to label so-called forever chemicals as toxic and expects to begin consultations in two years on further regulating their us.
Oscar Sort has tackled waste diversion by improving recycling rates and reducing operational costs at over 30 universities in North America.
The Alberta Energy Regulator is expected to make a decision on a proposal to explore for coal in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains by early June.
Toronto Raptors guard-forward Gradey Dick will be out for at least two weeks with bone bruises, the team announced Tuesday.
As measles cases continue to rise in Texas amid an ongoing outbreak, health officials are warning against so-called "measles parties," calling the practice dangerous.
As measles cases continue to rise in Texas amid an ongoing outbreak, health officials are warning against so-called "measles parties," calling the practice dangerous.
As measles cases continue to rise in Texas amid an ongoing outbreak, health officials are warning against so-called "measles parties," calling the practice dangerous.
Earthquakes Canada said the 4.1 magnitude quake on Monday morning was centred around 17 kilometres from Friday Harbour in Washington State.
Hot, dry weather and lack of snow has prompted the city of Lethbridge to issue a fire ban for the Old Man River valley.
After hundreds of Canadians fell ill at a Mexican resort, experts warn that contaminated food and water can lead to serious illnesses.