The conditions include anxiety, depression and psychosis, according to the advisory.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a advisory Wednesday warning regarding identification Mental Health symptoms and conditions related to long COVID.
Long COVID occurs when people recover from the virus but have persistent symptoms lasting three months or more, such as cough, headache, fatigue, sleep problems and cognitive impairment.
According to HHS, about 10% of all people who have ever had COVID-19 have had at least one symptom of long COVID.
Having to struggle with these physical symptoms for weeks or months “can take a toll on a person’s mental health,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. statement.
“It can be very difficult for a person, whether they are affected themselves or caring for someone affected,” Becerra continued. “This advisory helps raise awareness, particularly among primary care practitioners and clinicians, who are often those treating patients with long COVID. »
The advisory reveals that COVID-related mental health symptoms and conditions include anxiety, depression, psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Studies have shown that social isolation – due to lockdowns, school closures and stay-at-home orders – increases the risks of anxiety, depression and loneliness, particularly for older people.
In addition, unemployment and precarious employment increase the risk of depression and anxiety, studies have foundwith more vulnerable groups such as Hispanics and Blacks, women, young adults aged 18 to 29, and those without a college degree.
The patient may not be the only person suffering from poor mental health, but also his family members who care for him, the notice said.
Several factors can exacerbate mental health problems, including chronic physical and mental health illnesses, social isolation, financial insecurity, caregiver burnout, and grief.
“We know that people living with long COVID need help today, and providers need help understanding what long COVID is and how to treat it,” said Adm. Rachel Levine , Deputy Secretary of Health, in a press release.
This advisory helps fill this gap regarding the behavioral health impacts of long COVID. “This is one part of a government-wide response that continues to seek information about long-term COVID-19 and provide support and services to those who need it.” she added.
Dr. Joshua Morganstein, chair of the American Psychiatric Association’s committee on the psychiatric dimensions of disasters, told ABC News that it is important to have long-term surveillance in mental health and long COVID to recognize long-term trends.
Morganstein added that while not everyone has access to the same resources, it’s important to try to recognize mental health symptoms and seek help if possible.
