The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the population (literature review)

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the population (literature review)

 

Authors

 

M.V. Ogar

“Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky”; Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University”, Simferopol, Republic of Crimea, Russian Federation

V.A. Verbenko

“Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky”; Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University”, Simferopol, Republic of Crimea, Russian Federation

 

https://doi.org/10.26617/1810-3111-2025-1(126)-75-87

 

Journal: Siberian Herald of Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. 2025; 1 (126):  75-87.

 

Abstract

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of the population, causing widespread depressive and anxiety disorders, especially among vulnerable groups. In the context of long-term social distancing, economic instability and increased stress, there is a need to study the psychiatric consequences of the pandemic, and this is especially important for the development of support measures for health workers, patients with mental disorders and people exposed to social isolation. This explains the demand for a systematic analysis of the mental health consequences of COVID-19 and effective methods for their correction. Objective: to review the published literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of patients, their relatives, and medical staff. Material and Methods. The study of original research over the past 5 years from domestic and foreign scientific databases, selected by keywords: pandemic, mental health, psychological stress, anxiety, quarantine. Results and Discussion. Psychiatric symptoms of coronavirus disease include anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Long-term self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affects the psychological health of the population, leading to the formation of post-viral fatigue syndrome, difficulty concentrating, daytime sleepiness, which together complicates a rapid recovery from the disease and a full return to professional duties. At the same time, young age and a history of psychological trauma increase the risk of psychological health disorders during the pandemic. Healthcare workers experienced high levels of anxiety and stress due to long shifts, the risk of infection, a lack of personal protective equipment and insufficient study of the new virus at the beginning of the pandemic. Conclusion. Patients with COVID-19 are subject to significant psychological stress after infection and may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, comorbid depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 continue to suffer from lingering symptoms such as chronic fatigue, diffuse myalgia, shortness of breath, headache, and difficulty concentrating, which significantly reduce their quality of life.

 

Keywords: pandemic, mental health, psychological stress, anxiety, lockdown.

 

Article (pdf)

 

Contacts

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Materials  

For citation: Ogar M.V., Verbenko V.A. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the population (literature review). Siberian Herald of Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry2025; 1 (126): 75-87. https://doi.org/10.26617/1810-3111-2025-1(126)-75-87

 

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