The impact of the novel coronavirus infection on human mental health

Abstract

To assess the impact of the novel coronavirus infection on the mental health of the population, a search was performed in the PubMed electronic database, as well as in scientific electronic libraries, such as eLIBRARY.RU and «CyberLeninka». The mental manifestations of anxiety disorders include: irritability, impatience, a feeling of tension, inability to relax, inability to concentrate, memory impairment, fatigue, fears, obsessive thoughts, insecurity and anxiety. The increased level of anxiety may be the result of misinformation transmitted through social networks. People who follow the news about COVID-19 the most experience more anxiety. Health workers are at the greatest risk of negative psychological impact during pandemics, especially if they have direct contact with the infected. The most pronounced symptoms were observed in middle and junior medical staff, women and young people working in the «red zone». During the pandemic, the levels of anxiety, depression and stress are significantly higher in the age group of 21–40 years. Women are at a higher risk of depression. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with higher levels of education had higher levels of anxiety, depression and stress. People who have had a history of health problems, as well as those who suffer from poor health, may feel more vulnerable to the new disease. Most adolescents reacted to the stressful situation with suicidal forms of behavior — auto-aggressive and autistic-depressive. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic can affect the mental health of individuals, various communities and social groups. Therefore, in the current crisis, it is vital to identify people who are prone to psychological disorders in order to preserve and improve the mental health of the population as a whole with the help of appropriate psychological strategies, methods and interventions.