People who have recovered from Covid-19 are at greater risk of mental illness, new studies indicate.

247 - A study conducted in the United States based on health records of approximately 154 Covid-19 patients. According to the results, published in the BMJ journal last Wednesday (16), up to a year after infection, these people are at greater risk of being diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. The reports were published this Friday (18) in a report by O Globo newspaper. 

In the U.S. study, researchers analyzed national health databases from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They included 153.848 infected individuals and compared them to a similar group of people without the disease. The participants were, on average, 63 years old and were not undergoing treatment. They also had not been diagnosed with mental health problems in the two years prior to the analysis.

According to the study, people with Covid were 39% more likely to be diagnosed with depression and had a 35% higher probability of anxiety in the months following infection, compared to those not infected. People who recovered from the disease were 38% more likely to receive a diagnosis of adjustment disorder and had a 41% higher risk of sleep disorders.

Researchers also found that Covid patients were 80% more likely to develop cognitive problems such as "brain fog," mental confusion, and forgetfulness. They also had a 34% higher propensity to develop opioid use disorders and a 20% higher risk of developing non-opioid substance use disorders, including alcoholism.

The study indicated that, after Covid-19, people were 55% more likely to take antidepressants and 65% more likely to use anti-anxiety medication. 

The data did not indicate that most patients recovered from Covid-19 will have mental health disorders. Only 4,4% to 5,6% of participants were diagnosed with depression, anxiety or stress, and adjustment disorders.

Subscribe to 247, Support via Pix, Subscribe to TV 247, in the channel Cuts 247 and watch: