Prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder in COVID-19 patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital in South India: A cross-sectional study

Lakshmi KP; Subhash Chandra; Kudrat Jain; Bindu Menon

doi:10.30834/KJP.35.1.2022.321

Authors

Lakshmi KP Amrita Institute of Medical sciences and Research Center
Subhash Chandra Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center
Kudrat Jain Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center
Bindu Menon Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30834/KJP.35.1.2022.321

Abstract

Background: SARS-CoV-2 virus can affect the lungs and other organs of our body, including the brain. Studies from various parts of the world have started reporting a high prevalence of anxiety disorder in COVID-19 patients. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder in patients admitted with COVID-19 infection in a tertiary care medical college in South India. Methods: All COVID positive patients admitted to a tertiary care medical college during the study period were evaluated by a psychiatrist, and diagnosis was made based on ICD-10. GAD-7scale was used to assess the severity of anxiety disorder. Results: Hundred and eighty-four COVID-19 patients were studied. Generalized anxiety disorder was detected in 34.8% of the patients. Conclusions: Generalized anxiety disorder is highly prevalent in COVID-19 patients. Proper screening and treating generalized anxiety disorder in them will help in the care of these patients.

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