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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Psychiatric Sequelae in South Africa: Anxiety and Beyond

Ugasvaree Subramaney1, Andrew Wooyoung Kim2,3, Indhrin Chetty1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Area 459, Charlotte Maxexe Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Jubilee Road, Parktown 2193, Po Box 10411, Vorna Valley 1686, Johannesburg, South Africa, Tel: (011)7172712 082822 4530, Fax (011) 7172423.

Wits Journal of Clinical Medicine
|May 31, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant psychiatric challenges beyond anxiety, impacting public mental health. Increased awareness and preparedness are crucial for managing these widespread mental health conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented global health challenges.
  • Growing evidence indicates a significant link between COVID-19 infection and psychiatric comorbidity.
  • Novel presentations of severe morbidity and mortality are being observed across medical disciplines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To expand the understanding of COVID-19's psychiatric sequelae beyond anxiety.
  • To examine documented and potential future mental health conditions arising from COVID-19 infection and the pandemic.
  • To assess the pandemic's secondary effects on public mental health.

Main Methods:

  • An extensive review of global psychiatric literature was performed.
  • The review focused on psychopathological presentations in COVID-19 patients, both reported and anticipated.
  • Analysis included direct infection impacts, secondary effects, and lifestyle changes.

Main Results:

  • Anxiety and anxiety disorders are the most frequently reported psychiatric presentations linked to COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 infection and pandemic-related lifestyle changes contribute to a wide spectrum of psychopathologies and neuropsychiatric issues.
  • South Africa faces unique challenges due to pre-existing societal conditions and health system burdens, necessitating preparedness for rising psychiatric cases.

Conclusions:

  • Enhanced awareness of COVID-19-related psychiatric conditions is vital for early detection and effective treatment.
  • Proactive health system preparation is essential to manage the increasing mental health burden associated with the pandemic.
  • Improved screening and treatment strategies can lead to better health outcomes for individuals and the population.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19South Africamental healthpsychopathologystress

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