Thoughts of Death, Depression and Guilt in a Healthcare Worker Who Infected Her Husband with SARS-CoV-2: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The worldwide spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has exposed healthcare workers (HCWs) to physical and mental disorders both directly and indirectly related to the pandemic. Italy was the first European country affected by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and Italian HCWs have presented adverse psychological outcomes related to work and emotional overload and the fears of becoming infected and infecting others, particularly loved ones. CASE PRESENTATION We report the case of a 61-year-old HCW who likely infected her husband with SARS-CoV-2, leading to his death. We assessed the depressive and anxious symptoms that the patient experienced after the death of her husband, which were characterized by a deep sense of guilt, psychological pain, and thoughts of death. CONCLUSION: In our opinion, our case emphasizes the fact that HCWs need greater mental health assistance, particularly those who are heavily involved in the care of patients and who have possible risk factors for psychiatric symptoms.