COVID and the brainCOVID and the brain
All In The Mind
As the pandemic continues, the long-term effects of COVID-19 are a growing concern. Much is still unknown, but one major study suggests up to a third of people who get COVID-19 will go on to develop a psychiatric or neurological condition. Then there's the anxiety, depression and stigma that come with a diagnosis of the disease. On All in the Mind this week, how COVID can affect the brain.
29:05•4 Sept 2021
COVID-19's Hidden Impact: Mental Health and Beyond
Episode Overview
- COVID-19 can lead to long-term mental health and neurological issues.
- A major study suggests up to a third of survivors may face these conditions.
- Personal stories highlight the emotional toll of losing taste and smell.
- Multidisciplinary clinics are being developed to tackle long COVID symptoms.
- The stigma of having had COVID can impact mental well-being.
“I describe my world sometimes as, like, grey. You know, there's none of those bright colours of smells or tastes.”
Curious about how COVID-19 affects the brain? This episode of All In The Mind dives into the murky waters of COVID's long-term impacts on mental health and neurological conditions. Host Sana Khadar brings us the personal story of Hayley Cray, who shares her ongoing battle with the loss of taste and smell after contracting COVID. Despite taking every precaution, Hayley found herself grappling with the virus and its aftermath, including a grey world devoid of sensory joy.
Her tale is a stark reminder that COVID can leave lasting scars on the mind. The episode also features insights from Dr Paul Harrison, a professor of psychiatry at Oxford University, who reveals findings from a major study indicating that up to a third of COVID survivors may develop psychiatric or neurological conditions within six months. The conversation explores the complex reasons behind these conditions, from direct viral impact to the psychological stress of having the disease.
Dr Alex Holmes from Royal Melbourne Hospital discusses efforts to address 'long COVID' through multidisciplinary clinics, providing hope for those struggling with ongoing symptoms. With over 215 million global infections, the implications for mental health services are profound. Listeners are left pondering the long-term effects of COVID and how society can support those affected. Will we find effective treatments for these conditions? And how do we navigate the stigma attached to having had COVID?
This episode invites reflection on the personal and public health challenges posed by the pandemic. Get ready to be moved by these real-life accounts and expert insights into COVID's impact on mental health. Whether you're seeking answers or support, this episode offers a compelling look at the pandemic's hidden consequences.
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