Mental health considerations about the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors

  • Jeff Huarcaya-Victoria Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Lima, Perú. Departamento de Psiquiatría, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, Lima, Perú; Médico psiquiatra

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17843/rpmesp.2020.372.5419

Keywords:

COVID-19, Coronavirus, Coronavirus Infections, Pandemics, Mental Health, Mental Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Psychological, Peru

Abstract

Since December 2019, 414,179 cases of people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported. As a result of the rapid increase in confirmed cases and deaths, population and health personnel, have experienced psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Although scientific information on COVID-19 is constantly increasing, it mainly focuses on genetic, epidemiological aspects, and public health measures, leaving aside possible effects on mental health. In order to summarize the current evidence, we present a narrative review of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. So far, the presence of anxiety, depression, and stress has been reported mostly in general population. Nonetheless, mental health issues have also been reported in health care workers, especially among female professionals, nurses, and those who work directly with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. In efforts to reduce the spread of the disease, attention should be paid to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. We believe that addressing them adequately will empower Peru to contain and eradicate COVID-19.

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Author Biography

  • Jeff Huarcaya-Victoria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Lima, Perú. Departamento de Psiquiatría, Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, Lima, Perú; Médico psiquiatra
    Médico Psiquiatría del Departamento de Psiquiatría, Jefe de la Unidad de Psiquiatría de Enlace - HNGAI

Published

2020-04-18

Issue

Section

Review

How to Cite

1.
Huarcaya-Victoria J. Mental health considerations about the COVID-19 pandemic. Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica [Internet]. 2020 Apr. 18 [cited 2024 Dec. 7];37(2):327-34. Available from: https://rpmesp.ins.gob.pe/index.php/rpmesp/article/view/5419