February 1, 2021

Pre-Pandemic Psychiatric Disorders and Risk of COVID-19: A UK Biobank Cohort Analysis

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

Keywords (Tags): risk factors

A cohort study using data from the UK Biobank and Public Health England found an increased risk of COVID-19 infection (OR = 1.44), hospitalization (OR = 1.55), and death (OR = 2.03) among individuals with psychiatric conditions diagnosed before the pandemic, including depression, stress-related disorder, and substance use. The associations were stronger among individuals who had been diagnosed with multiple psychiatric conditions. In addition, there was also an increased risk of hospitalization due to other infections among this population (OR = 1.74). 

Yang et al. (Oct 26, 2020). Pre-Pandemic Psychiatric Disorders and Risk of COVID-19: A UK Biobank Cohort Analysis. The Lancet Healthy Longevity. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-7568(20)30013-1