Screening and assessment of mental health issues in patients with COVID-19

Context: COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on the mental health of the most vulnerable populations, especially those afflicted with the disease. Psychological consequences can be due to disease progression, perceived danger, fear of virus transmission to others, uncertainty, and physical discomfort among others. Aim: To screen for mental health issues and to assess the levels of anxiety and depression in patients with COVID-19. Setting and Design: Designed as a cross-sectional study conducted in district COVID-19 hospital. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 510 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 between 18 and 60 years of age. Screening instrument of clinical schedule for clinical psychiatry version 2.3 was applied to screen for common psychiatric disorders and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was applied to assess the levels of anxiety and depression in these patients. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Results: The mean age of our sample was 38.7 years. Panic disorder followed by generalized anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder was the most frequent psychiatric disorder in our sample of participants. Fear of infection with Corona virus was observed to be greater among the patients with COVID-19 screened for mental illnesses, and they were at an increased risk of developing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Conclusion: COVID-19 has a significant psychological impact on the mental health of those afflicted with the disease.