SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 outcomes across mental disorders and the role of sex: A register-based study from Catalonia

Introduction: This study investigated the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 outcomes among different mental health diagnoses and the role of sex in these associations.

Methods: Using electronic records from Catalonia, we identified adults receiving mental health care from 2017–2019 with diagnoses of non-affective psychosis (NAP), bipolar disorder (BD), depressive disorder (DEP), stress-related disorders, neurotic/somatoform disorders (NSD), and substance misuse (SUB) (exposed). The outcomes assessed were SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 hospitalization, and COVID-19-related death, compared to matched individuals without these mental disorders (unexposed). Adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results: 785,378 adults were included (70.3% < 65 years old; 57.1% women). Compared to unexposed, those with NAP, BD, DEP, and SUB had a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while those with NSD had an increased risk. Infected individuals with DEP, NSD, and SUB had a lower risk of hospitalization but a higher risk of COVID19-related death. Higher COVID-19-related death was also observed in individuals with NAP and BD. Sexstratified analysis revealed that women with NSD were especially vulnerable to infection, and women with DEP and NSD had a higher risk of COVID-19-related death.

Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for tailored public health strategies to reduce excess mortality risk among individuals with certain mental disorders, while accounting for sex differences.