Covid-19: Mental health issues slowing recovery, say docs

Covid-19: Mental health issues slowing recovery, say docs

People who are reporting clinical manifestations of Covid-19 may have mental health illnesses, according to doctors in the UAE.

These issues include seemingly less serious health conditions but more pertinent mental and psychological matters that entail mood changes, depression and decreased exercise tolerance, explain medical professionals.

While many have complained about manifestations of milder Covid-19 infections that include persistent physical pain, like painful joints or muscles, splitting headaches and chest pain, a general sense of not feeling your best self is equally rampant.

“Beyond the fatigue felt by ‘long haulers' as they heal after Covid infection, these neuropsychological problems range from headache, dizziness, and lingering loss of smell or taste to mood disorders and deeper cognitive impairment,” said Dr Leena Prem Prakash, specialist at Prime Medical Centre – Sheikh Zayed Road.

“People may also suffer from depression and anxiety. Muscle weakness and nerve damage sometimes mean they can't walk or have reduced exercise tolerance,” she added.

“We would say that probably, between 30 to 50 per cent of people with an infection that has clinical manifestations may have some form of mental health issues — anxiety or depression but also non-specific symptoms that