The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

COVID-19 Psychiatric Sequelae

Long-term mental health effects after SARS-CoV-2 infection

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is COVID-19 Psychiatric Sequelae?

Approximately 30 to 40 percent of patients with COVID-19 develop new psychiatric symptoms within 6 months. Common conditions include major depression, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and cognitive dysfunction known as brain fog.

Mechanisms involve direct neuroinflammation, microvascular injury, dysregulated cytokine response, hypoxic damage, dexamethasone exposure, ICU psychosis, and psychosocial trauma. Hospitalization severity correlates with risk.

Comprehensive assessment includes depression and anxiety scales (PHQ-9, GAD-7), PTSD screening (PCL-5), cognitive testing, and sleep evaluation. Treatment combines selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and graded return to activity.

Symptoms

Persistent low mood and anxiety
Sleep disturbance
Concentration difficulty
Intrusive memories of illness
Social withdrawal

Risk Factors

Severe COVID-19 hospitalization
ICU stay and ventilation
Female sex and younger age
Pre-existing mental health condition
Social isolation during illness

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • For low mood persisting over 2 weeks
  • For panic attacks or new anxiety
  • For nightmares and flashbacks
  • For inability to return to work
  • For thoughts of self-harm

Treatment Methods

01
Multidisciplinary post-COVID clinic referral
02
SSRI or SNRI pharmacotherapy
03
Cognitive behavioral therapy
04
Trauma-focused EMDR
05
Cognitive rehabilitation
06
Sleep hygiene and pacing

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Flu (Influenza)

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Influenza is a seasonal contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses; it presents with high fever, muscle pain, and severe fatigue.

COVID-19

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus with a wide clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Upper respiratory tract infections are diseases that include common cold, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and laryngitis, often of viral origin and self-limited.

Urinary Tract Infection

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections most often caused by Escherichia coli, presenting with burning and frequent urination.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis A is an acute, self-limited liver infection transmitted via the fecal-oral route causing acute hepatitis without chronicity; supportive care suffices in most cases, while vaccination prevents outbreaks and post-exposure prophylaxis within 2 weeks is effective.

Hepatitis B

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis B is a contagious infection caused by HBV virus transmitted via blood, sexual intercourse, and mother-to-child, that can become chronic and progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis C

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by HCV virus transmitted mainly by blood; the rate of chronicity is high, but cure is possible with new antiviral drugs.

HIV/AIDS Information

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

HIV is a virus that targets the immune system; if untreated, it progresses to AIDS. With modern antiretroviral therapy, HIV-positive individuals can lead healthy, long lives.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.