SARS survivors recover but suffer mental health decline

Most patients who have survived severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) make a good physical recovery, but they or their caregivers often report a decline in mental health, according to a new report. Severe Acute Respiratory syndrome (SARS) reached global epidemic stage in 2003. Previous investigations of the disease had focused on lung function, distance walked in six minutes and health-related quality of life. {openx:269} Against such a background, Canadian doctors evaluated 117 SARS survivors from Toronto who were discharged from the hospital in 2003. Patients were evaluated three, six and 12 months after leaving the hospital by undergoing a physical…