The paper reviews and discusses short- and long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for population mental health. The dynamics of short-term psychological reactions – such as anxiety, depression and distress – seem to follow directly the epidemiological dynamics of the outbreak. Although older individuals are at risk for severe COVID-19 disease course and death, psychological reactions seem to be more intense in younger individuals compared to the elderly. For long-term consequences, we do not have data yet. However, since the association between economic crises and population mental health is established, a recession-related increase in mental disorders is assumed. Mental health should be key concern in the management of the pandemic.
[COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health of the General Public: Is there a Tsunami of Mental Disorders?]
[Category] SARS,
[Article Type] Review
[Source] pubmed
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