COVID-19 and its consequences for the emotional and volitional sphere elderly and senile persons

Abstract

The presence of a variety of symptoms that last longer than the acute phase of COVID-19 is called post-COVID syndrome (PCS). Musculoskeletal, digestive (i.e., diarrhea), and neurological symptoms, including depression (according to the Zung scale), were most commonly observed in patients with PCS. Fatigue/muscle weakness, dyspnea, pain and discomfort, anxiety/depression, and impaired concentration were observed in more than 20% of patients. PCS is mainly characterized by musculoskeletal, lung, digestive and neurological disorders, including depression. PCS is independent of the severity of the acute illness and the humoral response. During and after infection with COVID-19, patients are at increased risk of developing depression and anxiety.

Many people with COVID-19 are at risk of long-term impairment and disability, especially in critical cases. Symptoms after acute COVID-19 are highly variable and varied. Not only the stressors associated with the consequences of the infection of COVID-19, but also the measures taken against the pandemic can lead to the development of new mental illnesses or the worsening of existing mental health disorders. Depressive disorders affect physical, mental, and social functioning and increase the risk of premature death. People who survived COVID-19 had a high prevalence of acute psychiatric complications. Common neuropsychiatric sequelae following SARS-CoV-2 infection included fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, headache, raving, and cognitive impairment. Additional diverse manifestations of COVID-19 have been noted, such as delirium, peripheral neuropathy, dizziness, and mood disorders.