Psychological impact of COVID-19 outbreak and role of mental health professionals

With the current physical reach of the COVID-19 pandemic in the population, there are bound to be long-term implications in terms of economic standards and psychological impact. The speedy rise of fear and anxiety among people due to insecurity of the disease is coupled with essential yet socially disruptive measures like lockdowns and quarantines. These can lead to significant psychological and psychiatric disturbances such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, and behavioral disorders. Predisposing factors include staying away from family, loneliness, misinformation on social media, financial insecurity, and stigmatization. Healthcare workers have a high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder and burnout; therefore, it is important to understand and investigate the psychological effects of the epidemic and the importance of mental health training for doctors, counselors, psychologists, and other professionals are being trained to provide psychosocial support in these crises. Suggested actions include care service for patients with psychiatric, neurological, and neurosurgical problems and strengthening telemedicine facilities to provide teleconsultation to patients.