Post-COVID syndrome and suicide risk
Seamas C. Donnelly
Abstract
2][3][4] While society currently grapples with acute COVID-19 infection in the population-the more long lasting effects of significantly debilitating symptoms post the acute stages-termed Long-COVID syndrome-has not yet got the attention of the public-but it is the elephant in the room.Recent published work highlights the potential magnitude of the problem.In analysis of 1733 COVID-19 patients 6 months post-discharge from hospital-76% of patients exhibited at least 1 significant disabling symptom and with regards to significant residual lung injury-this ranged from 22% who were observed in hospital but did not require supplemental oxygen to 56% in those requiring non-invasive or invasive ventilation. 5As of 5 February 2021 there were 896 033 COVID related hospital admissions in the United States 6 --patients with persistent debilitating symptoms, unable to work, unable to participate actively in society-this becomes a big ticket item.We, therefore, welcome the commentary piece by Professor Sher from Columbia University, New York on Long-COVID syndrome and suicide risk.There is a high probability that symptoms of psychiatric, neurological and physical illnesses, as well as inflammatory damage to the brain in individuals with long-COVID syndrome increase suicidal ideation and behavior in this patient population.The author highlights the importance of supporting research that defines specific factors in this population associated with enhanced suicide risk.While our efforts in recent times have been focused on coping with the pressures of treating acute COVID-19 infection-it is important that we fund national multi-disciplinary programmes to assist with the significant emotional and physical problems of patients with persistent debilitating symptoms of long-COVID syndrome.