Impact of psychological intervention on anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder: results from a longitudinal study of hospitalized Covid-19 patients

• Published in: Rivista di psichiatria Vol. 59; no. 3; p. 100
• Main Authors: Lamiani, Giulia, Bonazza, Federica, Battistini, Chiara Luridiana, Iovine, Salvatore, Piscopo, Kyrie, Bai, Francesca, Vegni, Elena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Anxiety - therapy; COVID-19 - psychology; Depression - therapy; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Psychosocial Intervention - methods; SARS-CoV-2; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - psychology; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - therapy; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 2038-2502
• DOI: 10.1708/4288.42696

Hospitalization for Covid-19 has been recognized as a potentially traumatic experience. This longitudinal cohort study assessed the impact of psychological intervention for Covid-19 patients on anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Of 386 Covid-19 patients enrolled, 127 completed HADS and PCL-5 questionnaires at 2 months (T1), 6 months (T2) and 12 months (T3) after hospital discharge. Between T1 and T2, patients were offered the opportunity to receive psychological intervention: 92 did not request any psychological support (No support group), 15 received only one psychological consultation (Consultation group) and 20 received longer psychological support (Support group). Mixed ANOVAs were used to assess the psychological symptoms of the 3 Groups over Time. The No support group reported lower anxiety, depression, and PTSD than the other two groups. Anxiety and PTSD increased over time across groups. A Time x Group interaction was found for depression (F(2.124)=3.72, p<.05, pη2=.06). The Support group reported a decrease in depression from T1 (M=7.85) to T2 (M=7.05) and an increase from T2 to T3 (M=8.05), although not significant. The No support (T1 M=2.84; T3 M=4.36; p<.001) and the Consultation groups (T1 M=4.73; T3 M=6.33; p<.05) reported an increase in depression from T1 to T3. Psychological interventions were appropriately allocated to patients with more severe symptoms. Most of the patients did not request psychological intervention. Long-term psychological support may have helped Covid-19 patients to contain depressive symptoms over time.