Mental and physical health in persons receiving inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation treatment for post-COVID condition

Abstract

Background Post-COVID condition is most commonly associated with physical symptoms such as dyspnea on exertion, difficulty in concentration, fatigue, and frailty but meta-analyses also document high rates of mental health problems such as anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods and findings In the current study, 140 persons (66% female) receiving inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation treatment for post-COVID condition for an average of 27 days (SD=11) completed self-report measures on mental and physical health at admission and discharge. At admission, 54%, 36%, 36%, and 14% screened positively for somatoform syndrome, generalized anxiety, depression, and PTSD, respectively. Higher pulmonary functioning related to higher self-reported physical functioning (but not to measures of mental health) at admission. Several self-reported indicators for mental and physical health improved from admission to discharge. Conclusions The current study corroborates findings about the high mental and physical burden of post-COVID condition. However, both mental and physical symptoms show partial improvement during a specialized inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation treatment.