Covid-19 and PTSD – what are the signs?

PTSD can cause intrusive thoughts, among other difficult symptoms. By Liz Connor

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that the NHS says is caused by “very stressful, frightening or distressing events”, and new research suggests Covid-19 patients admitted to hospital can suffer from it, particularly if they require a ventilator.

The research, published in the journal BJPsych Open from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, looked at 13,049 survivors in the UK who had suspected or confirmed coronavirus. The researchers found 35% of patients put on a ventilator experienced extensive PTSD symptoms alongside 18% of patients who were admitted to hospital without requiring a ventilator.

PTSD can occur in anyone, of any ethnicity, nationality or culture, and at any age.

Psychologist, Emma Kenny (ekenny.co.uk) says covid patients can also suffer from post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), a type of trauma or collection of symptoms that can be experienced by patients who survive critical illness after they leave intensive care.

“When you’ve been critically ill, it can cause you to experience nightmares, unwanted images, reminders of your illness, depression and anxiety, that can also lead to PTSD,” says Kenny. “It’s partly caused by the sedation and ventilation, which can cause you to feel confused as you don’t remember the ins and outs of what happened. Understandably, a person might feel like they didn’t have control over their environment at the time.”

Kenny explains that PTSD is something that typically occurs six to 12 months after a traumatic incident, whereas PICS can occur in hospital and continue when a patient is discharged.

WHATARETHEKEYSYMPTOMS OF PTSD?

Priory’s general adult psychiatrist Dr Paul McLaren (priorygroup.com) says

PTSD can cause people to relive an experience through nightmares and even flashbacks. “You might notice numbness and loss of deep feelings as a way to protect yourself, or difficulty concentrating as your mind is on other things and past traumatising situations,” he explains.

He adds: “Suffering painful emotions such as guilt, anger, anxiety, panic and depression is common, as well as avoidance of dealing with emotions, specifically grief, anger and frustration.” Kenny says this can be a difficult emotional balancing act as people around you might say you’re ‘lucky’ to have survived coronavirus, especially when others are dying; all the while, you’re still battling ongoing emotional symptoms. “Drinking too often and turning to drugs are often seen as ‘ways out’ of a problem but the reality is that these will only reduce the chances of recovery,” McLaren continues.

WHATTODOIFYOU’RE SUFFERINGFROMPTSD

“I’d always advise getting a referral for therapy,” says Kenny. “There’s a waiting list at the moment and it will depend on your local hospital trust, as some will have specific programmes for PTSD and PICS, but you’ll need to be referred to a clinical psychologist.”

Kenny says talking therapies like CBT and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) can be helpful, and there is also Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy that may be offered to you too. “Speak to your general health practitioner to find out your options, as they know how the physical and mental are connected, and can assure you that the thoughts and symptoms you are experiencing are completely normal after a traumatic event,” says Kenny. “It’s also really important for families and friends to keep an eye out for these symptoms too.”

If you are worried about your health or that you may be experiencing PTSD, always speak to your GP.