Psychiatric disorders newly diagnosed among veterans subsequent to hospitalization for COVID-19
This study found that 8% of veterans hospitalized for COVID-19 developed new mental health diagnoses, with younger and rural patients being more at risk. The most common diagnoses were depressive, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. This suggests a need for targeted outreach and screening for mental health issues in this population.
College of Health researcher(s)
Highlights
- We evaluated the development of new mental health diagnoses up to 6-months following hospitalization for COVID-19 in a large, national sample of veterans health administration patients.
- Approximately 8% of patients developed a new mental health diagnosis. The most common new diagnoses were depressive, anxiety, and adjustment disorders.
- Unique demographics predictors (e.g. rurality, age) indicate the need for additional outreach and screening for groups at elevated risk of post-hospitalization, mental health sequelae.
Abstract
Objective
The goal of our study was to evaluate the development of new mental health diagnoses up to 6-months following COVID-19 hospitalization for in a large, national sample.
Method
Data were extracted for all Veterans hospitalized at Veterans Health Administration hospitals for COVID-19 from March through August of 2020 utilizing national administrative data. After identifying the cohort, follow-up data were linked through six months post-hospitalization. Data were analyzed using logistic regression.
Results
Eight percent of patients developed a new mental health diagnosis following hospitalization. The most common new mental health diagnoses involved depressive, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. Younger and rural patients were more likely to develop new mental health diagnoses. Women and those with more comorbidities were less likely to develop new diagnoses.
Conclusion
A subpopulation of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 developed new mental health diagnoses. Unique demographics predictors indicate the potential need for additional outreach and screening to groups at elevated risk of post-hospitalization, mental health sequelae.