PTSD in the COVID-19 Era.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in late 2019 led to a global pandemic.
• The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020 due to rising cases and fatalities.
• The pandemic resulted in widespread fear, anxiety, and significant economic, health, and social disruptions worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the link between government-imposed COVID-19 restrictions and increased mental health problems.
• To specifically investigate the rise in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a consequence of pandemic-related measures.
• To discuss the psychological toll of the pandemic, including economic losses and mental health challenges.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• The review focused on studies examining the psychological impact of the pandemic.
• Literature concerning the consequences of public health restrictions on mental well-being was analyzed.

Main Results:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has had a traumatic effect on public psychological functioning.
• COVID-19 survivors, the elderly, and healthcare workers were particularly affected by psychological distress.
• Difficulties in adapting to new realities and uncertainties exacerbated mental health challenges.

Conclusions:

• The pandemic has profound psychological implications for the general population.
• Understanding PTSD management is crucial for both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing conditions.
• This review provides a foundation for addressing PTSD in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.