Unveiling Indian Coping Tactics for Neurobehavioral Disorders in COVID-19 Confinement

Abstract

The COVID-19 Pandemic brought an increase in Mental Health Problems for the general population, but the most substantial phase was for people who had Pre-existing Neurobehavioral Disorders, especially Adolescents and Children. As the COVID-19 Confinement Policies brought a lot of problems in Medication Adherence, Interventions, Assessment and Diagnosis of the patients with Neurobehavioral Disorders. The adoption of virtual support tools and online platforms for patients with neurobehavioral disorders in India during the pandemic is highlighted in this review. Some of the Neurobehavioral Disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), have both positive and negative effects with home confinement. The Text-Message based Disorder monitoring approach is used for ADHD patients. In patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), where Online Diagnosis Tools are used for intervention. The children with Intellectual Disability (ID) faced problems understanding the hand washing protocols for the COVID-19 pandemic, though parents were advised to use visual charts for making the children understand hand washing protocols. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms got worse with home confinement. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have sleep cycle disturbances and sleeping difficulties. Education and Awareness Campaigns on coping strategies for families and caregiver through online platforms, maintaining medication adherence for patients with neurobehavioral disorders has become a key link to reduce the impact of disrupted routines and limited physical activities on patient’s symptoms.