Quality of life after COVID-19: mental health in the post-pandemic period

Psychiatric symptoms and disorders manifesting in the acute and post-acute periods in patients who recovered from COVID-19 and required hospitalization are due to a multifactorial etiology. Triggers include concerns related to the potential consequences of the disease, forced social isolation, associated financial difficulties, and loss of loved ones. However, psychological distress is only one of the pathogenetic mechanisms for the development of psychiatric symptoms during the recovery period after infection. These symptoms may also result from the direct neurotropic effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the central nervous system, or from mediated immune-inflammatory responses triggered by the viral infection. This literature review examines the prevalence and risk factors for anxiety and depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions following COVID-19. Careful screening and timely provision of adequate and timely psychological care are essential for patients at increased risk of developing long-term psychiatric sequelae.