A study published in the journal PLoS One revealed that long-term COVID patients are more likely to suffer from persistent psychiatric symptoms like anxiety and depression. In the study, the researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 23 studies published between January 2020 and October 2021. The data of the study involved static numbers and prevalence rates from 13 countries in Europe, Asia, and North and South America.

The findings of the study showed that anxiety was the most prevalent symptom in participants with long COVID, followed by depression, sleep difficulties, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). On the other hand, cognitive deficits, obsessive-compulsive, and somatic symptoms were the least reported symptoms among the participants.

In the female population, it was observed that those with a history of psychiatric diagnoses were at greater risk for these symptoms, especially sleep difficulties, poor sleep quality, and insomnia. Additionally, obesity was an independent risk factor that had a direct impact on problems related to sleep difficulties.

Lastly, the researchers noted that physical and psychiatric symptoms have a reciprocal relationship. The author of the study explained that mental health issues in long-term COVID patients are associated with persistent physical symptoms, such as myalgia and shortness of breath.

Hence, the team concluded that they have a bidirectional relationship. The physical symptoms can result in psychiatric symptoms, and the psychiatric symptoms can lead to physical manifestations. 

(Source: https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/anxiety-depression-persistent-symptom-in-long-covid-patients-study-123041100863_1.html )