Facing the Change Together: Reflections of Coping and Resilience From American Geriatric Psychiatrists During COVID-19

Carmen Black Parker,Malcolm P Forbes,Ipsit V Vahia,Brent P Forester,Dilip V Jeste,Charles F Reynolds

doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2020.04.011

Abstract

Author(s): Parker, Carmen Black; Forbes, Malcolm P; Vahia, Ipsit V; Forester, Brent P; Jeste, Dilip V; Reynolds, Charles F

Highlights

Over the past 2 months, we have witnessed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease caused by the novel pathogen SARS-CoV-2, devastate the health of citizens across the world and paralyze the economy of the many countries, including the United States (US)
Disasters disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable populations, and older adults with mental illness are at higher risk for the physical complications and psychiatric sequelae
The psychological impacts of COVID-19 and associated quarantine can range from short-term boredom and loneliness to long-term anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in vulnerable individuals.[2,3]

Summary

CONCLUSION

We are in the very early days of adapting personally and professionally to COVID-19. We write with trepidation at what lies ahead and with a sense of camaraderie and kinship as we know we face this challenge united. It will be imperative that geriatric psychiatrists continue to demonstrate altruism, resilience, solidarity, hope, perseverance, and flexibility

Johns Hopkins University

Findings

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