The Oxford University Study
In a recent study conducted at the University of Oxford, researchers found that after a Covid-19 diagnosis, nearly 1 in every 5 people are diagnosed with a mental disorder. The study was performed using electronic health records from the TriNetX Analytics Network, a nation-wide database that contains records of 69.8 million patients. The study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on mental health and the rate of diagnosis of mental disorders. In order to correctly gage how much of the change in mental health disorders diagnosis rate was a direct result of Covid-19, researchers also measured the rate of disorder diagnoses in patients who had experienced six other health events such as the flu, a large bone fracture, respiratory tract infections, etc. Researcher Paul Harrison explained that analyzing both the results of Covid-19 and other common diseases was essential in differentiating what changes are from Covid-19 itself versus the environment we’re living in. The study showed that the rate of developing a mental disorder after Covid-19 was double that of other illnesses. The most commonly developed disorders included anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
The Lancet Psychiatry Study
Another study published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal looked at 153 patients who were hospitalized as a result of severe cases of Covid-19. The study found that out of 153 patients, 125 developed neurological and psychiatric complications associated with the virus. Almost a quarter of these patients were diagnosed with psychiatric conditions- conditions that in the vast majority of patients, was newly developed.
Demographics
In order to ensure the results of the studies were accurate, researchers also had to factor in demographic risks and statistics. The demographic analysis found that among patients with a recent diagnosis of a mental disorder, African Americans had higher odds than Caucasians, and women had higher odds than men. Researchers also accounted for factors that could have increased the risk of acquiring Covid19 in patients that were mentally ill including inability to comply with preventive behaviors, limitations in access to healthcare, homelessness, close living, and previously diagnosed diseases. However, even with controls for these factors, the risk discrepancy persisted.
So how exactly does Covid-19 increase the risk for mental disorders?
According to the professor of psychiatry at Oxford, Paul Harrison, there are two likely causes. First, there could be a direct effect of the virus that produces the symptoms of mental illness. He proposed that the brain or immune system’s reaction to the virus may be to blame. Second, Covid-19 may be acting as a major stressor event, creating stress in a new way then previously which in turn, can produce a psychological reaction. However, studies also have shown that patients with a recent diagnosis of a mental disorder are also at a higher risk (65% more likely) of contracting the virus, and of contracting a severe case of it. These patients had a death rate of 8.5% versus a death rate of 4.7% among Covid-19 patients with no mental disorder. These statistics suggest the relationship between Covid-19 and mental illness is bidirectional.
Fall Out
As predictions that the demand for mental health services will surpass pre-pandemic rates by as much as 20%, National Health Services are creating comprehensive plans to support this need. The NHS of England have published their plan to provide aid which includes expanding access to psychological therapies services - which is responsible for treating common, moderate conditions and reviewing the care for those with greater needs to ensure they receive sufficient therapy and support.
Sources:
Comments