Patients who have contracted COVID-19 experience alarming rates of severe illness, medical complications, and mortality compared with that observed in other respiratory diseases such as influenza. In addition, those who have recovered from COVID-19 are at higher risk of lasting medical complications postdischarge. Importantly, many of these physical complications are likely to cause, and in turn be exacerbated by, psychological complications experienced as a function of illness, extended hospitalization, ventilation, and rigorous quarantine measures. At this time, little is known about the nature and prevalence of these complications, or treatment approaches psychologists may use in providing intervention. Nevertheless, it is possible to identify some of the most likely psychological concerns based on the literature of similar disease states and on psychological sequelae that typically occur following extended intensive care unit (ICU) stays in general. In this article, we characterize psychological presentations likely to be experienced by patients recently discharged from COVID treatment in the ICU based on the review of relevant literature. Specifically, we focus on the domains of: (a) medical trauma, acute stress reaction and posttraumatic stress, (b) cognitive deficits, (c) fatigue and depression, (d) social stress and readjustment, and (e) illness anxiety. Within each characterized domain, we provide empirically supported treatment recommendations for psychologists should they encounter postdischarge COVID patients seeking psychological treatment in outpatient or telehealth settings. &lt;strong xmlns:lang="en"&gt;Public Significance Statement—Little is known about the mental health challenges faced by patients after being critically ill and hospitalized due to COVID-19. In this article, we provide descriptions of the psychological problems that could result from COVID-related illness which cause difficulty functioning during recovery, along with recommendations for the delivery of therapy and support. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) © 2021 American Psychological Association
Psychological complications of COVID-19 following hospitalization and ICU discharge: Recommendations for treatment