Publication date: Jan 11, 2025

The psychological impact of surviving an admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID-19 is uncertain. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in ICU survivors treated for COVID-19 infection, and identify risk factors for psychological distress. This observational study was conducted at 52 ICUs in the United Kingdom. Participants, treated for COVID-19 infection during an ICU admission of ⩾24 h, were recruited post-ICU discharge. Self-report questionnaires were completed at 3, 6 and/or 12 months. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were identified using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. PTSD was assessed using the Impact of Events Scale-6. Demographic, clinical, physical and psychosocial factors were considered as putative predictors of psychological distress. 1620 patients provided consent and 1258 (77. 7%) responded to at least one questionnaire, with responses at 3 months (N = 426), 6 months (N = 656) and 12 months (N = 1050) following ICU admission. The following prevalence rates were found at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively: anxiety in 28. 8% (95% CI 24. 6-33. 1), 30. 4% (95% CI 27. 0-33. 8) and 29. 3% (95% CI 26. 5-32. 1); depression in 25. 1% (21. 0-29. 3), 25. 9% (22. 7-29. 3) and 24. 0% (21. 5-26. 6); and PTSD in 43. 5% (38. 8-48. 2), 44. 3% (40. 6-48. 0) and 43. 2% (40. 2-46. 1) of patients. Risk factors for psychological distress included a previous mental health diagnosis, unemployment or being on sick leave, and a history of asthma or COPD. Clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD were common and persisted up to 12 months post-ICU discharge.

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