MENTAL HEALTH IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ERA

Abstract

We aimed to systematically review the literature to provide an overview of the psychiatric complications of COVID-19 infection (direct impact) and how COVID-19 is currently affecting mental health among psychiatric patients and the general population (indirect impact) along with factors that modify the risk of psychiatric symptoms in both groups. The current article is a narrative review of the existing literature on mental health symptoms and interventions relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. PubMed electronic database search A total of 10 citations were retrieved using this method.Although current evidence on the direct impact of COVID-19 on mental health is scant, there are indications of increased rates of PTSS and depression following COVID-19 infection. Regarding the indirect impact of COVID-19 on mental health in general, there appears to be evidence of increased depressive and anxiety symptoms along with a negative impact on mental health in general, particularly among healthcare workers.