Study finds 20% of people with COVID develop mental illness

The results of a new study found that 20% of patients who tested positive for COVID-19 were diagnosed with some form of mental illness within 90 days of the contraction. A number of people included in this percentage have developed illnesses such as insomnia, anxiety and depression, despite recovering from the virus, Reuters reports.

The study, conducted by researchers at the British University of Oxford, also found that people who already suffer from mental health problems were 65% more likely to contract COVID-19. According to Simon Wessely, professor regius at King’s College London, COVID-19 “affects the central nervous system and could therefore directly increase subsequent disorders”.

Michael Bloomfield, a consultant psychiatrist at University College London, added that the emotional and physical stressors of the pandemic could also add to the surge in mental illness diagnoses. Mental health helplines around the world have seen a major surge in calls since the pandemic began in March.

Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of the mental health charity SANE, says she has seen the tangible results of the Oxford study within her own organization. “Our helpline is handling an increasing number of new calls that are triggered by mental health issues,” Wallace said.

Researchers and doctors are finding that there is more to be discovered about this unprecedented virus, as new developments are released every few weeks.