A recent study from researchers in the U.K. has revealed that almost one in five individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 also experiences a psychiatric disorder within a three-month period. The long-term impacts of COVID-19 are still being explored, particularly those that extend beyond the virus’s more recognized physical symptoms, such as lung impairment. Scientists at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, have identified mental illness as a significant potential consequence of the virus.
The research indicated that approximately 18.1% of COVID-19 patients, specifically over 62,000 cases from the U.S., were diagnosed with a mental health condition between 14 and 90 days following their positive test. Common disorders included anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Alarmingly, those with pre-existing mental health issues were found to be 65% more likely to contract COVID-19 compared to those without such a history, regardless of other risk factors like age, sex, race, and existing health conditions. “This finding was unexpected and needs further investigation,” stated Dr. Liam Carter, a key author of the study. “In the meantime, we should consider psychiatric disorders as an additional risk factor for COVID-19.”
The researchers examined health records from approximately 70 million patients and compared their findings with others diagnosed with various medical conditions, including respiratory illnesses and urinary tract infections. The data revealed that the rate of new mental health diagnoses in these other groups was between 2.5% and 3.4%, suggesting that COVID-19 patients are more than twice as likely to develop mental health issues.
It is essential to recognize that this study may not account for all variables. The increase in mental health diagnoses might stem from the broader impacts of the pandemic rather than being a direct result of COVID-19 itself. Nonetheless, this research highlights the significant gaps in our understanding of the virus and the ongoing need for effective post-recovery support.
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In summary, research indicates that nearly 20% of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 develop psychiatric disorders within a few months. This underscores the urgent need for further investigation into the long-term consequences of the virus and highlights a potential correlation between pre-existing mental health issues and the likelihood of contracting COVID-19.
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