Are People with mental health disorders at higher risk for severe covid-19?

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Are People with Mental Health Disorders at Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19?

Are People with Mental Health Disorders at Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19?

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, physical health risks took the spotlight. But as more research emerged, a key question surfaced: Are people with mental health disorders more vulnerable to severe COVID-19? The answer is yes—and here's what the science tells us.

What Does the Research Say?

Multiple large-scale studies have confirmed that individuals with mental health conditions face increased risks of hospitalisation, complications, and death due to COVID-19.

  • CDC data shows that patients with anxiety or mood disorders have significantly higher mortality rates.
  • A JAMA Psychiatry study found that people with psychiatric diagnoses had a 50% increased risk of dying from COVID-19, even after adjusting for age and comorbidities.
  • ScienceDirect research highlighted that patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders were among the highest risk groups for severe outcomes.

Why Are Mental Health Disorders a Risk Factor?

Here are the major reasons why COVID-19 hits harder for people with psychiatric conditions:

  • Biological vulnerability: Chronic mental illness often leads to higher systemic inflammation and a weaker immune response.
  • Comorbidities: Mental illness frequently coexists with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease—all of which increase COVID-19 severity.
  • Healthcare access barriers: Many patients with mental illness delay care or face discrimination in clinical settings.
  • Medication complications: Some psychiatric medications can affect metabolism, immunity, and even increase clotting risks.

Disorders With Highest COVID-19 Risk

Not all mental health disorders carry the same risk. Research shows the highest vulnerability in these categories:

  • Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders: Among the strongest predictors of COVID-19 mortality.
  • Major depressive disorder: Linked with immune dysfunction and higher hospitalisation rates.
  • Generalised anxiety disorder: Associated with increased physiological stress and cardiovascular complications during infection.
  • Substance use disorders: Significantly increase the likelihood of complications and ICU admission.

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Read more about types of bipolar disorder and how they affect health.

Key Stats You Should Know

  • People with mental illness are 2–3 times more likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19.
  • Mortality risk is 50% higher for those with mood or anxiety disorders (JAMA Psychiatry).
  • Patients with schizophrenia had the second highest COVID-19 mortality rate after age-related risk.
  • Vaccination rates were lower in people with mental illness, especially in underserved populations.

How to Lower the Risk

If you or a loved one lives with a mental health disorder, here are key steps to stay safe during ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks:

  • Get vaccinated and boosted: Prioritise full COVID-19 vaccination and any recommended booster shots.
  • Keep up with therapy: Mental health care improves physical health resilience.
  • Monitor comorbid conditions: Stay on top of diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses.
  • Wear masks in crowded places: Continue to protect yourself during surges or flu seasons.
  • Communicate with your doctor: Inform your provider about your mental health history when discussing COVID-19 risks.

Internal Link:

Explore free mental health counselling options during or after COVID-19 recovery.

FAQs: Mental Health & COVID-19 Risk

Q: Are people with depression more likely to die from COVID-19?
A: Yes. Depression is linked to chronic inflammation and immune suppression, both of which worsen COVID-19 severity.

Q: What about anxiety or panic disorder?
A: Anxiety can raise heart rate and blood pressure, which increases cardiovascular strain during infection.

Q: Are psychiatric patients prioritised for vaccination?
A: In many countries, yes. People with severe mental illness were classified as a priority group for early vaccines.

Q: How can caregivers help someone with mental illness during COVID?
A: Offer emotional support, ensure they access care, monitor symptoms, and help with medication adherence.

Resources and Scientific Backing

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Final Thoughts

Are people with mental health disorders at higher risk for severe COVID-19? Absolutely. But the risks can be managed through early vaccination, ongoing psychiatric care, and open medical communication. Let’s stop treating mental health as separate from physical health—it’s all deeply connected.

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