PTSD – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Symptoms::

• Emotional symptoms: Intense fear, anxiety, or emotional numbness due to the trauma of illness.
• Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories related to the illness and hospital experiences.
• Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of COVID-19, such as discussions or places associated with the illness.
• Hyperarousal: Increased alertness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, or hypervigilance.
• Depression: Feelings of hopelessness or withdrawal, often triggered by prolonged illness and isolation.

Diagnosis:

• Diagnosis of PTSD after Long COVID is typically made through clinical interviews and psychological assessments.
• A mental health professional will evaluate the presence of symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance behavior, and hyperarousal, and assess whether they have lasted for more than a month and significantly impact daily functioning.
• Tools like the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) or PTSD Checklist (PCL) may be used.

Management:

• Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for PTSD, with a focus on addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Exposure Therapy: Involves gradual exposure to trauma-related reminders in a safe environment to reduce fear.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation: Techniques to reduce anxiety, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help manage stress and hyperarousal symptoms.
• Social Support: Encouragement of connecting with others who have experienced Long COVID to reduce isolation and share coping strategies.

Treatment:

• Medications:
  • Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline or fluoxetine are commonly prescribed for managing PTSD symptoms.
  • Prazosin: Often used to reduce nightmares and sleep disturbances.
     
• Psychotherapy: As mentioned, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Trauma-Focused CBT, is effective in addressing PTSD symptoms.
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A treatment technique used to process and resolve trauma-related memories.

Addressing PTSD caused by Long COVID involves a multi-disciplinary approach that combines psychological support with medications, lifestyle changes, and ongoing monitoring of both physical and mental health.