Prevalence of anxiety and depression among COVID-19 patients admitted to tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Context: COVID-19 patients undergo myriad of psychological problems such as mood swings, depression, fear of isolation, fear of dying, feeling helpless, insomnia, anxious forebodings, and nervousness. These are commonly seen among isolated and quarantined patients who experience notable levels of anxiety, uncertainty, anger, confusion, stress and insecurity. Aims: This study aims to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among these infected patients admitted to tertiary care center. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 COVID-19 patients admitted to DMC&H, Ludhiana. Subjects and Methods: The data were collected on sociodemographic parameters and assessment was done using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) at the time of discharge from the hospital. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS 21 version for Microsoft Windows. Results: Majority of the patients were males and in the age group of 31–50 years. 48% patients had comorbid depression. Moderate-to-severe levels of depression were found more in males (25%) as compared to females (15%). Comorbid anxiety was seen commonly in females (60%) than male patients (28.75%), though the moderate-to-severe level of anxiety was more in males (71.25%) as compared to females (40%). On symptom checklist of HDRS and HARS, patients had high scores on insomnia (75%), psychic anxiety (45%–50%), somatic symptoms (gastrointestinal [50%], muscular [56%], and respiratory [81%]) and loss of weight (40%). Conclusions: COVID-19 patients score higher on comorbid anxiety and depression. Moderate-to-severe level of anxiety and depression is commonly seen among male patients than female patients.

Keywords

• covid-19
• anxiety
• depression
• hamilton depression rating scale
• hamilton anxiety rating scale