GPs predict ‘huge surge’ in patients with PTSD due to COVID-19

GPs are predicting a ‘huge surge’ in patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to COVID-19.

Previous pandemics including SARS and Swine flu (H1N1) have resulted in an increase in stress symptoms, incidence of PTSD, depression and adjustment disorders within communities.

During the current lockdown, GPs are already anecdotally reporting a rise in the number of patients with anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms, particularly in those who have pre-existing physical and mental health conditions – and they predict that this will escalate rapidly as lockdown restrictions are lifted and patients try to deal with their experiences.

Dr Leach said: “So many analogies of war have been used to describe COVID 19 – we talk about the ‘battle’ against the virus and NHS staff are commonly referred to as ‘troops on the frontline’.

“Just as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is increased in armed forces personnel returning from war zones, we expect PTSD to be more common post-COVID as people come to terms with the life-changing experiences they have gone through, either because of their experiences at work or having lost loved ones.

“In addition, whilst lockdown measures were necessary to reduce the spread of the virus, for many people they have unintentionally created heavy psychological, emotional and financial problems. For some of our patients, the ‘stay at home’ guidance has created a toxic environment, leading to an increase in domestic abuse.

“PTSD is commonly seen in primary care and GPs are experienced in caring for patients with mental health issues, including those who may have witnessed or experienced violence.

“Most patients experiencing mild symptoms will benefit from simple interventions, such as a reassuring discussion with their GP, but some patients will need much more than that including specialist referral, which is why the College has adapted its existing resources for GPs caring for veterans.

“We hope that the new e-learning materials – which include well-established techniques used for the diagnosis of PTSD in veterans – will prove invaluable in supporting frontline GPs and their teams to deliver the best possible care for patients who have gone through traumatic experiences during COVID-19 and now have to deal with the fallout.”

RCGP Chair Martin Marshall said:

“We are already seeing the huge toll that this pandemic is taking on people’s health, mentally as well as physically, but we also know that a significant number of patients have chosen not to use the NHS during the pandemic, perhaps for fear of getting the virus, or because they don’t want to burden the health service during a time of crisis and emergency.

“This will inevitably create a huge surge in mental health conditions, including cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is crucial that GPs and their teams have as much support as possible to help them pick up the pieces and care for their patients in a post-COVID world, with all it will bring.”