Depressive disorder; clinical correlates and tumor necrosis factor alpha among post COVID-19 patients

Abstract Background COVID-19 infection is known to trigger a significant inflammatory response in the body. This response, characterized by elevated levels of cytokines including TNF-α that has proven to play a pivotal role in the severity and long-term effects of the disease. Paucity of the regional studies exploring the interplay between clinical and biochemical markers of post COVID-19 depression; creates a strong motive to shed light on this relationship in depth. Here, we estimated the rate of post-COVID depression, explored the clinical correlates of post-COVID depression, and examined the serum tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNF-α). Methods A group of 197 patients with post COVID-19 infection were randomly recruited and screened using general health questionnaire (GHQ). Then, SCID-I and Beck depression inventory were applied to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of major depressive disorder (MDD). Serum tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNF–α) was measured in depressed and non-depressed post COVID-19 patients. Results The rate of post-COVID depression was 27.8%; predominately, mild MDD (47.6%), followed by moderate MDD (38.1%) then, severe MDD (14.3%). There was a statistically significant difference between cases and control group regarding severity of COVID-19 ( p = 0.001), number of vaccine doses received ( p = 0.043), and TNF-alpha ( p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between severity of depression and both severity of COVID-19 infection ( p = 0.003) and TNF-alpha ( p < 0.001). Using regression analysis; TNF-α was the only predictive factor to post-COVID-19 depression (OR = 1.030, p < 0.001). Conclusion Our results suggest a strong link between serum TNF-alpha level and post-COVID depression, highlighting its pivotal role in refining the management outcome.