Kochi: A study conducted by a premier medical institution here among COVID patients shows that the measures taken to contain the virus have hampered the physical and mental health of individuals. The study among 109 COVID patients admitted by Amrita Hospital showed a high prevalence of panic disorder with a cut-off score of eight on the panic disorder severity scale. The study was published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine.
Dr KP Lakshmi of Amrita Hospital’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, who led the study, said that 54.3 percent of married patients, 32 percent of unmarried and all widowed/widowed patients had been diagnosed with panic disorder and the prevalence of panic disorder was high. . It was lower in patients with known physical illness and mental illness but less in patients who had recently drank alcohol, but higher in smokers.
“Increased panic disorder detection in married patients may be due to their increased responsibilities and concerns about their family and job uncertainty during the pandemic. Similarly, less panic disorder among patients with recent alcohol use The findings may be explained by the fact that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. The increased prevalence of anxiety in smokers may be due to tobacco being a central nervous system stimulant. The study was conducted in hospitalized patients. And the results may not be the same among Covid at home care,” Lakshmi said.
He added that panic disorder can be treated with psychotherapy and/or medications, lifestyle changes, breathing exercises, psychotherapy and medications can help people suffering from the issue. It was found that panic attacks are characterized by sudden extreme anxiety and a sense of impending doom, as well as physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, shortness of breath, muscle tension, chest discomfort and sweating.
“However, upon evaluation, their investigations including ECG will be normal. Therefore, the need to understand such attacks is important for proper diagnosis. The duration of panic attacks can vary from seconds to hours, but symptoms usually peak within ten Minutes from the beginning and goes on for about 30 minutes,” said Lakshmi.
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