THE LONG COVID SYNDROME AND MENTAL HEALTH
What is Long Covid Syndrome?
After recovery from a Covid-19 infection, some people may continue to experience symptoms. The symptoms beyond 12 weeks after the acute Covid-19 illness are defined as Long Covid Syndrome. However, this is not a single condition, but a range of different health problems.
What are the common symptoms?
The most common symptoms are fatigue or tiredness and ‘brain fog’. Other common symptoms are:
- Breathlessness
- Palpitations or heart racing
- Loss of smell or taste
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Depression or anxiety
- Fever
- Dizziness
Many other symptoms have been reported as well.
About 10% of the people who contract COVID-19 may suffer from the Long COVID syndrome. Up to 50% or more of the hospital-treated patients may suffer from the Long COVID syndrome.
Read the findings of our research on Long Covid Syndrome and Fatigue: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.04.23.21256006v2
How can Long Covid Syndrome affect mental health?
Firstly, anxiety and depression can appear after recovery from Covid 19. Some individuals may experience symptoms of PTSD due to the traumatic experience of their illness.
Anxiety and depression can also be a reaction to the symptoms of Long Covid Syndrome.
Some people with long Covid symptoms may worry that the Covid 19 illness may return.
About the Author:
Dr. Sanjay Rao is an experienced teacher and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa. In 2018, he was awarded a Fellowship of the Canadian Association of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for his contribution to CBT in Canada. He has received an award from the Department of Health, UK for CBT development. He is the Director of Unified CBT Academy and the Medical Director at the Center for Mental & Psychological Health.
