Post-traumatic stress among COVID-19 survivors: A descriptive study of hospitalized first-wave survivors

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 1 induces a severe respiratory disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 1 and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome infection, increased post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rates were described.

Methods: This single-centred, prospective study aimed to evaluate the rates of PTSD in patients who were hospitalized for COVID-19. Inclusion criteria were COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) or in a standard unit with at least 2 L/min oxygen. Six months post-hospitalization, subjects were assessed for PTSD using a validated screening tool, the Post-Traumatic Stress Checklist-5 (PCL-5).

Results: A total of 40 patients were included. No demographic differences between the ICU and non-ICU groups were found. The mean PCL-5 score for the population was 8.85±10. The mean PCL-5 score was 6.7±8 in the ICU group and 10.5±11 in the non-ICU group (P=0.27). We screened one patient with a positive PCL-5 score and one with a possible PCL-5 cluster score. Nine patients had a PCL-5 score of up to 15. Seven patients reported no symptoms. Seven patients accepted a psychological follow-up: one for PTSD, three for possible PTSD and three for other psychological problems.

Discussion: The PCL-5 tool can be used by lung physicians during consultations to identify patients for whom follow-up mental health assessment and treatment for PTSD are warranted.

Conclusion: Lung physicians should be aware of the risk of PTSD in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and ensure appropriate screening and follow-up care.

Keywords: COVID-19; crisis intervention; mental health; post-acute COVID-19 syndrome; post-traumatic; stress disorders.

FIGURE 1

Individual global Post-Traumatic Stress Checklist (PCL-5) scores PCL-5 scores and PCL-5 cluster scores. Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) survivors with positive or possible SPTD: patients #2 (ICU group) and #38 (non-ICU group). COVID-19 survivors already followed for PTSD: patients #30 and #35 (non-ICU group)

FIGURE 2

Scores distribution for each Post-Traumatic Stress Checklist-5 question. “not at all= score 0”, “a little bit= score 1”, “moderately= score 2”, “quite a bite= score 3” and “extremely= score 4”