Corona and mental health outcomes … what does Firas Al Abyad say?

Rafic Hariri Hariri Hospital Director Firas Al Abyad tweeted on his Twitter account, saying: “Large US study found 20% of recovered Corona patients develop mental illness within 90 days of recovery. . The study noted an increase in the rate of infection for the first time with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. That’s twice as high, plus a higher risk of developing dementia. “

He added: “This study is one of many studies that talk about the complications that follow corona infection, even after a while. It reflects that so far we don’t know much about the effects. seriousness of this epidemic. That should be an incentive to redouble our efforts to contain the infection and limit its spread instead. To live with it. “

He continued: “In Lebanon, the issue of mental and mental health is not receiving the necessary attention, care and support, even though the society is exposed, especially in the last year, to various pressures. that are increasing. This is what we see in hospitals, the hospitals of patients and their families, or even when the medical and nursing staff who take care of them. “

He said: “Corona poses a new challenge, because its containment or treatment to isolate patients requires a significant reduction in direct human contact, which exacerbates the psychological pressure on everyone. We have started a program at the hospital. to provide the necessary psychological support to patients and health workers in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross in Lebanon, and the national mental health program in Lebanon.

He added: “Yesterday we also received a lot of help from the Norwegian Aid Committee to expand the mental health and addiction treatment service at the hospital. All these efforts are good, but they are even less than necessary. because these services are not available in many regions, hospitals or centers. Care. No healthy body without a healthy mind. “