COVID CENTRES MUST PROVIDE PSYCHIATRIC ADVICE: CENTRE

The Centre has issued guidelines stating that Covid-19 facilities should have a provision for psychiatric consultation, noting the pandemic has induced mental health concerns, both pre-existing and new onset triggered by lifestyle restrictions and an uncertain future.

The Union health ministry on Sunday issued ‘Guidelines on Managing Mental Illness in Hospital Settings during Covid-19’ stating there are at least three groups affected by mental health concerns during the pandemic.

Research suggests that depression (present in about 30% of diagnosed patients) and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder could be extremely high. Secondly, preexistent patients with psychiatric disorders may experience a recurrence or worsening of their symptoms during the pandemic.

Thirdly, a wide variety of psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety (ranging from mild to severe), worries, non-specific psychological distress, depression, stress symptoms, insomnia, hallucinations, paranoid and suicidal ideation, have been noted during the pandemic.

“In addition, worries related to restriction of lifestyles, issues related to special populations including children and adolescents, job losses and uncertainty about the future, increase in domestic violence and child abuse have also been reported.

“Therefore, there is a need for specific guidelines for medical officers and mental health professionals on how to prevent the infection and provide Covid-19related care in hospital-based settings,” the document stated.