Anxiety symptoms in critically ill COVID-19 survivors and its association with post-discharge health concerns

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Evidence suggest that critically ill COVID-19 patients are at higher risk of developing anxiety symptoms, which may be related to or exacerbated by patients concerns regarding their health status and recovery. Objective(s) To assess anxiety symptoms in critically ill COVID-19 survivors, 1-2 months after hospital discharge and to analyze its association with concerns reported by patients regarding their own health status and recovery. Method(s) In the framework of MAPA prospective research, this preliminary study included COVID-19 patients admitted in the Intensive Care Medicine Department (ICMD) of a University Hospital. Patients were excluded if they had an ICMD length of stay (LoS) <=24h, terminal illness, major auditory impairment or inability to communicate at the evaluation time. Participants were assessed at a scheduled telephone follow-up appointment, with Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Additional questions were asked to assess the survivors' post-discharge concerns regarding discrimination against for COVID-19, infection of a family member, re-infection or sequelae related to COVID-19. Result(s) Eighty-three patients were included (median age=63 years;63% male) and 24% had anxiety symptoms. Anxiety scores were higher in survivors who reported being afraid of being discriminated against for COVID-19 (30% vs 10%;p=0.034), being re-infected (100% vs 79%;p=0.032) and having sequelae (94% vs 44%;p<0.001). Conclusion(s) These findings revealed that anxiety is common in COVID-19 survivors and is associated with post-discharge patients concerns that may limit patient daily living. This study emphasizes the importance of psychological assessment and follow-up of the COVID-19 survivors, in order to support these patients recovery.