Citation

Edet BE, Essien EA, Ugobo MB, Okafor CJ, Olose EO, Essien VA. West Afr. J. Med. 2022; 39(5): 548-551.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, West African College of Physicians and West African College of Surgeons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

35633651

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus pandemic is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While physical recovery has been made a priority, the psychological wellbeing of recovered patients is not receiving the attention it deserves. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 27-year-old male who developed severe depression associated with anxiety and suicidal ideations two weeks after full recovery from COVID- 19 infection. Significant somatization was also present at the onset which he misattributed to a recurrence of the infection. He was admitted for in-patient psychiatric care and fully recovered after six weeks of medication and psychotherapy.

CONCLUSION: Infection with the virus is a psychologically distressing experience that can trigger mental disorders in vulnerable individuals. Our report highlights the mental health needs of all COVID-19 patients and the need for psychological evaluation in the post-recovery period.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Humans; Nigeria; Male; Suicidal Ideation; Depression; Anxiety; COVID-19; *COVID-19; *Suicide/psychology; Depression/etiology/psychology; Suicidal