How do we treat mental disorders resulting from “Covid-19”

Dr .. Karim Mamoun

The longer the crisis lasts in the context of the “Covid-19” pandemic caused by an infection with the “emerging corona” virus, the more emphasis is placed on its psychological repercussions, and the clinical information of “Covid-19” patients have shown the occurrence of disorders that include tension, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness, as they can be exacerbated. Mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression.

Changes in mental status are the second most common neuropsychological complications occurring in patients with “Covid-19” after a stroke. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor psychological complications even in patients whose degree of disease does not require admission to the hospital, in order to determine who are most vulnerable to infection, and then determine the best way to treat him.

Societal studies may reveal a wave of psychological consequences after the pandemic recedes and simple cases of “Covid-19” have recovered. Symptoms of depression and anxiety have been seen for a long time during and after previous septic outbreaks such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and “Middle East Syndrome”. Respiratory system (MERS) and “Ebola” virus disease, and this observation should apply to the “Covid-19” pandemic.

What are the causes of mental disorders in “Covid-19” patients?

The new reality imposed by the “Covid-19” pandemic, represented by social isolation, the lack of direct contact with family and friends, unemployment, economic concerns and an uncertain future, in addition to fear for personal health, and the health of family and friends, can lead to psychological disorders in people of all ages. around the world.

Long-term psychological implications are still unknown, but the first studies have now emerged indicating an increased risk of depression, fear-related illnesses, stress disorders and addictive behavior, in light of this pandemic.

Furthermore, it is not only the social and economic effects that “Covid-19” can have on mental health. A study of patients with severe symptoms of “Covid-19” found an association between the incidence of depression and anxiety and the degree of loss. The sense of smell and taste, while no such association with the severity of other symptoms of the disease was observed, which led to the conclusion that some mental disorders observed against the background of “Covid-19” are the result of the affectation of the central nervous system.

Are the disorders limited to people with the disease?

No, healthcare providers who work under tremendous pressure can be hurt as they balance their professional duty with their personal needs, and their fears increase due to inadequate sepsis control measures and fear of illness. a personal or family infection, which can lead to depression (20 to 40% of cases) or anxiety. (30-70% of cases) or post-traumatic stress disorder or insomnia and emotional exhaustion, and the incidence of anxiety and depression has been observed to be high among those exposed to infection with “Covid-19” of front-line healthcare workers and those who have been infected, and fear of infection Personality and fear of infection for family and colleagues are a major cause of distress.

The prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety among caregivers associated with “Covid-19” is linked to epidemiological considerations, material and human resources and personal factors:

Epidemiologically, the likelihood of developing psychological symptoms is proportional to the prevalence of sepsis in the area, since suffering is greatest when the number of infections increases, when there is no experience in dealing with similar pandemics and when governments do not provide transparent information for effective prevention and treatment plans.

As for material resources, their lack, in particular of personal protective equipment, is accompanied by a fear of infection among health care providers, while securing places and rest periods reduce the impact of physical and psychological fatigue on care providers, and securing these places is more beneficial than providing psychological support during a pandemic.

With regard to human resources, the risk of suffering from mental distress is high during close contact with “Covid-19” patients and when the level of responsibility is high, such as primary care workers in emergency departments. ambulance, intensive care units, ambulances and inpatient units for “Covid-19” patients.

In terms of personal factors, the physical and mental health of women is worse during pandemics. In addition, young people are more afraid of infection than older people, and middle-aged people are more immune to stress and those with children are more afraid of infection. Anxiety and depression increase in people with a neurotic personality or when they feel lonely or when they have a history of mental disorders or physical complaints.

Likewise, the “Covid-19” pandemic has led to psychosocial complications. Although the disease affects only around 1% of the planet’s population, fear of it has touched everyone, as infection continues and deaths are everywhere, and this pandemic has called for changes painful life. Like home quarantine, money depletion, remote working, temporary unemployment, raising children at home, and not having direct contact with other family members, friends and colleagues. Some responded positively and followed the prevention instructions, while others reacted negatively, so they lost the sense of security and started overreacting. While buying and storing, they suffered from distress, and some of them developed depression, anxiety and deterioration in their performance and false and suicidal thoughts.

When should a person with mental health problems see a doctor?

Feeling sad or depressed, given the pandemic and the associated contact restrictions, is a perfectly normal reaction, but medical advice should be sought if the person notices little or no possibility of feeling happy, or there is excessive lack of motivation and a feeling of excessive fatigue, Or if he can no longer break out of thought circles, for example by limiting thinking to the possibility of infection with the virus, and the feeling of constrained by that.

How to maintain mental integrity during the “Covid-19” pandemic?

Several factors contribute to maintaining mental health during the “Covid-19” pandemic, including:

Social communication: regular contact with family and friends via phone or Internet (online).

Busy: Doing activities that occupy time and enhance emotions, such as hobbies, drawing, music, reading, television, watching movies, and home improvement.

Sports: whether outdoor sports, walking and jogging, or “in-line” exercise.

Maintain calm: through relaxation and meditation, or through prayer and worship.

Streamline access to information: reducing the use of “social media” and newsletters to relieve anxiety.

ongoing routine: Having a plan or daily routine helps maintain mental health, especially when it comes to receiving care, for example:

Get in the habit of getting up and going to bed at the same time every day.

Maintain personal hygiene.

Eat healthy meals at regular times.

Exercise regularly.

Take the time to work and rest.

Take the time to do nice things.