CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AMONG PATIENTS RECOVERING FROM COVID-19 INFECTION ATTENDING THE PSYCHIATRY OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant psychological stress and psychiatric morbidity among 
recovered patients. Anxiety and depressive symptoms have been increasingly reported during the post-COVID recovery 
period. 
Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among patients recovering from COVID-19 infection and to 
identify associated psychosocial and clinical factors. 
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 129 patients recovering from COVID-19 infection 
attending the psychiatry outpatient department between June 2021 and May 2022. Anxiety and depression were assessed 
using Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Sociodemographic 
profile, hospitalization history, duration of illness, sleep disturbances, and psychosocial stressors were evaluated. 
Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test and independent t-test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered 
statistically significant. 
Results: Moderate anxiety and mild depression were the most common psychiatric manifestations observed among post
COVID patients. Sleep disturbances, prolonged hospitalization, social isolation, and financial stress demonstrated 
significant association with anxiety and depression. 
Conclusion: Psychological morbidity is common among patients recovering from COVID-19 infection. Early psychiatric 
screening and psychosocial support are important components of post-COVID rehabilitation.