The COVID 19 pandemic has created havoc in many lives. It disrupts the critical mental and physical health of people. It has brought about a substantial degree of fear and stress to the world, especially among older adults already combating several health conditions. Patients with chronic mental health disorders are the most affected by the current situation of the pandemic. Such individuals are becoming vulnerable to cope up with the stress and uncertainty. The pandemic has also given birth to new challenges for managing psychiatric patients, says Michael e Weintraub esq.
People suffering from psychiatric ailments have witnessed a downfall in their mood and behavior, making it difficult for them to cope with society and work. Studies prove that stress is the cause of poor mental health. Therefore people who suffer from chronic mental disorders are the most affected by the pandemic.
Here are a few common mental disorders that require medication and special counseling amidst the current situation:
Anxiety disorders
Amidst a crisis such as the pandemic, it is usual for people to experience an increased level of stress and anxiety due to social distancing norms. Anxiety disorders include phobias, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress. Moreover, 1 in 10 patients with anxiety disorders is likely to commit suicide. Untreated phobias and psychiatric disorders can lead to severe impairment, thus altering the patient’s life and work. Therefore a quick diagnosis is essential to minimize the complexity of the disease.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar affective disorder is a severe mental condition under which patients suffer from alternative episodes of high and low energy levels and mood. People suffering from such psychiatric ailments mainly find it challenging to cope up with the current pandemic situation. Those who suffer from bipolar affective disorder switch between elation and depression. Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting lockdown have brought about the social and economic disorder, specifically among such patients, believes Michael e Weintraub esq.
Schizophrenia
Another significant psychiatric illness includes schizophrenia. It gets characterized by distorted thinking and emotions and poor perception of reality. The symptoms of the disease include delusions and hallucinations with poor memory. Patients combating such psychological disorders are incredibly vulnerable to the current situation of the pandemic. Studies have proved that people with schizophrenia are at risk of being infected with coronavirus disease.
Depression
The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of patients is the highest. Another significant mood disorder includes depression. Patients suffering from depression are likely to lose interest in work and enjoyment. It results in an insufficient level of energy and low mood. With the pandemic sweeping through countries, managing patients with depression is a difficult task. Social isolation and limited contact with people have worsened the condition of depressed patients. Therefore it is essential to stabilize the situation by keeping yourself busy and limiting exposure to the latest information and updates about the pandemic.
Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
Several patients suffer from post-traumatic stress due to the loss of near and dear ones to the covid-19. Post-traumatic stress is a psychiatric disorder occurring among people witnessing serious accidents or sexual assault.
In addition, people recovering from the coronavirus ailment might be at the risk of contracting such disease, says Michael e Weintraub esq. Therefore the resulting threat disrupts the daily functioning of such individuals.
