May 2021
This month's featured article is:
DISASTER PSYCHIATRY: COVID-19 ERA
Rahn Bailey, MD, DFAPA, ACP Chief Medical Officer of Kedren Health Assistant Dean at Charles R. Drew University
Lance Wobus, MD, Charles R. Drew University Research Associate
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a traumatic effect on society and has resulted in substantial losses for many. Unemployment has been at a record high, while food insecurity, job losses, and the stress of social isolation are prevalent. The pandemic has also led to enormous mental health problems. The most common symptoms after a disaster are insomnia, anxiety, depression, and bereavement. [1] A recent CDC survey estimates that 26.3% of respondents suffer from trauma and stress-related disorders, 30.9% from anxiety or depression, 13.3% from substance use, and 10.7% from suicidal ideation. [3] People may also self-medicate with drugs and alcohol; reported substance use has increased since March 2020.[2] Healthcare workers have been particularly affected. Challenges for this population include a shortage of PPE, fears of virus exposure, burnout, and inadequate patient care due to insufficient resources. Without addressing burnout, prolonged problems may lead to acute stress disorder and PTSD. [3] One third of COVID-19 survivors received a neurologic or psychiatric diagnosis within six months of infection. About one in eight had never received a neuropsychiatric diagnosis prior to infection. This suggests there will be an ongoing increased demand for neurology, psychiatry, and primary care services. [4]
Please read the complete article beginning on Page 9
