Is there a relationship between the intensive care scores of patients with COVID-19 and depression and anxiety?

Objective: Coronaviruses that cause respiratory infections in humans are known to be neuropathogenic. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is an association between the severity of viral pneumonia and anxiety and depression levels in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods: Prospective study of 165 patients, patients were divided into two groups (intubated and non-intubated) according to whether they were intubated during follow-up.

Results: Of 165 patients included, 70 were intubated after the first 7 days of follow-up. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) score was 10.37±3.75 (p < 0.001) in these patients. The length of ICU stay was 25±22.3 days (p < 0.001), and the length of overall hospital stay was 28.28±23.37 days, significantly longer than in patients who were not intubated (p < 0.001). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score scores, as well as GAD-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, were positively associated with length of ICU stay and length of hospital stay (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: The presence and exacerbation of anxiety and depression symptoms can provide information about the aggravation and progression of the underlying disease.