People with mental illness are more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19, develop long COVID or die from an infection. Researchers generally think individuals with severe mental illness are at higher risk than those with milder conditions, according to the Times.
Here are three hypotheses behind why those with mental illness are at higher risk:
- Stress can weaken the immune system and contribute to high blood pressure and more plaque deposits in the heart, which can lead to cardiovascular disease — a known risk factor for COVID-19.
- Some antipsychotic drugs may weaken the immune system, raising the risk of severe COVID-19 infection.
- People with severe mental illness are more likely to experience poverty and be unable to afford healthcare than their peers. They may also struggle with sleep, diet and other aspects of health, which can all heighten the risk for COVID-19 complications, researchers told the Times.
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