A randomized trial in the investigation of anxiety and depression in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Background: In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern. A small proportion of patients infected with COVID-19 go on to develop pneumonia. We speculated that COVID-19 may be likely to result in psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. In this study, we conducted an investigation of anxiety and depression in patients with COVID-19. Methods: Sixty-five COVID-19 patients were randomly enrolled into this study. Anxiety and depression among participants were measured through the completion of anonymous Chinese-language Zung self-rating anxiety scale and self-rating depression scale questionnaires. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests, Mann-Whitney U-tests, and chi(2) tests. Results: The questionnaire results showed that 26.15% and 41.54% of participants suffered from anxiety and depression, respectively, although there was no significantly statistical difference between the proportions of COVID-19 patients with anxiety and depression. Statistically significant differences in employment status, partial pressure of oxygen, and corticosteroid application existed between moderate- and severe COVID-19 patients (P<0.05). In particular, the partial pressure of oxygen was significantly lower in severe COVID-19 patients than in their moderate counter parts (71.31 +/- 23.54 vs. 101.06 +/- 34.43, U= 156, P=0.006). Total lymphocytes was lower in severe group than in moderate group [1.659 +/- 0.643 vs. 0.745 (0.645, 0.928), U=109, P=0.000]. Also, a higher proportion of female than male patients had anxiety (chi(2)=5.388, P=0.02). COVID-19 patients who received antiviral medications also displayed a higher rate of anxiety (chi(2)=4.481, P=0.034). Total lymphocytes between the non-anxiety and anxiety had statistical difference (U=321, P=0.019). Meanwhile, total lymphocytes between the non-depression and depression also had statistical difference (U=389.5, P=0.01). Conclusions: Among patients with COVID-19, females and those treated with antiviral medications were more likely to experience anxiety. In addition, our findings reflected the effect of anxiety and depression on immune system.

Automated summary

An investigation of anxiety and depression in COVID-19 patients found that females and those treated with antiviral medications were more likely to experience anxiety. Significant differences in oxygen levels and total lymphocytes were observed between moderate and severe COVID-19 patients, highlighting the impact of anxiety and depression on the immune system.