STRESS AND MENTAL DISORDERS INDUCED BY COVID-19

Inchingolo AM. Stress and mental disorders induced by COVID-19. International Journal of Infection. 2021;5(3):109-115

A.M. Inchingolo^*

Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Medicine Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.

*Correspondence to:
Angelo Michele Inchingolo,
Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine,
University of Medicine Aldo Moro,
70124 Bari, Italy.

ABSTRACT

SARS-CoV-2 infection has caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has resulted in diverse mental disorders in patients including stress and anxiety. Stress is often caused by fear of contracting COVID-19, reduced social interactions, and isolation. Depression can be caused by many factors such as grief over the loss of loved ones and uncertainty about the future. In addition, sleep disturbances may occur during the pandemic due to increased stress and anxiety, exacerbating the mental state. From the data emerging on COVID-19, it has been noted that approximately 30% of patients have reported psychiatric and/or neurological disorders, including cognitive problems, anxiety, and depression. When COVID-19 disease is prolonged (long COVID), in addition to the symptoms of mental disorders described above, patients may also experience brain fog and chronic fatigue that contribute to stress. Various therapies such as relaxation exercises, meditation, and social contact have been used to alleviate stress due to COVID-19.

KEYWORDS: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, mental disorder, fatigue syndrome, anxiety, depression