Assessment of Severity of Anxiety and Depression in Covid-19 Patients Admitted to Rawalpindi Medical University and Allied Hospitals Rawalpindi Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the COVID-19 infected patients.

Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Rawalpindi Medical University and Allied Hospitals Covid designated wards from 1^st April 2019 and 30^th June 2020

Methodology: Data of 100 patients were collected using questionnaires on physical parameters including medical comorbidities and listed physical symptoms. The patients were interviewed based on ICD 10 diagnostic criteria of depression and anxiety. Those patients who fulfil the clinical criteria Hamilton rating scale for anxiety (HAMA) and Hamilton rating scale for depression (HRSD) were applied to assess the severity of anxiety and/or depression.

Results: There were 69 (69%) males and 31 (31%) females. Eighty two (82%) patients fall in the age range of 21 to 50 years with the mean of 38 years. There is high level of anxiety as well as depression among admitted patients suffering from COVID-19. Seventy five (75%) patients suffered from depression and 72 (72%) of patients suffered from anxiety ranging from mild to severe.

Conclusion: Patients suffering from ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus and hypertension showed higher anxiety and depression as compared to patients suffering from Asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), TB and renal failure.

Keywords: Covid 19, Anxiety and depression, Physical comorbidities