scholarly journals Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Crisis: Losing Our Immunity When We Need It the Most

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 545
Author(s):  
Abdelaziz Ghanemi ◽  
Mayumi Yoshioka ◽  
Jonny St-Amand
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Population Immunity ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Epidemiological Profile

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis has led to a new socioeconomic reality with the acquisition of novel habits. Measures imposed by governments and health authorities such as confinement and lockdown have had important consequences, including mental health problems, economic crisis, and social isolation. Combined with newly acquired habits such as hand washing, sanitization, and face masks, these have all directly and indirectly led to reduced immunity. Such effects on the immune system not only impact the epidemiological profile with respect to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases but also limit the efficacy of the ongoing anti-COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Therefore, there is a need to review these approaches and optimize measures towards better population immunity, which is much needed during such an epidemic.

scholarly journals Relationship of Depression, Aging and Immune System During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farah Iylia Binti Fauzi ◽  
Siti Fatimah Binti Salleh ◽  
Mohammad Shahadat Hossen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that first appeared in China in December 2019. It has affected over 157 million people and killed over 3.2 million. The paper reviews the function of the immune system for COVID-19 prevention, depression, and anxiety due to COVID-19 and their effects on the immune system and the relationship of aging with the immune system and depression and anxiety. It has been found that several elderly people lack the coping mechanisms required to deal with the stress caused by COVID-19. Hence, identifying the factors and mechanisms that lead to this resilience will aid in the development of preventive measures for certain elderly people and groups with more severe mental health problems. Additionally, it would be beneficial to understand how technology could be leveraged to accomplish this goal. During the pandemic, various steps such as social isolation, quarantine, and self-isolation are needed to be implemented properly to slow the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, to help halt the pandemic, everybody must be vaccinated as soon as possible until any bans on social gatherings and social isolation can be removed, allowing other sectors such as schooling, social activities, and life to resume normalcy.

Loneliness, social isolation and cardiovascular risk

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackson Alun ◽  
Barbara Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cardiac Events ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Traditional Risk Factors

Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly being acknowledged as risk factors for both physical and mental health problems. Recent statistics demonstrate that loneliness and isolation are on the rise internationally, to the point of being classed as an epidemic. In this paper, the authors outline some of the recent research linking loneliness and isolation to significant chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes; mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression; cognitive disorders and dementia. Isolation has also been shown to compromise recovery after acute cardiac events, being associated with increased hospital readmission and premature death. Indeed, isolation has now been identified as a risk factor equivalent in effect to traditional risk factors such as smoking, hypertension and obesity. While distinguishing between objective and subjective indicators of isolation, the authors highlight the complexity of this phenomenon, both in terms of definition and measurement, as well as the interplay between subjective and objective indicators. Important clinical implications for health professionals working with cardiac patients are also proposed, in terms of screening for isolation, and possible interventions to support patients at risk of isolation. The aim of the current article is to emphasise the importance of acknowledging loneliness and isolation as key risk factors requiring urgent attention, both in research and in clinical practice.

scholarly journals Loneliness and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study Among Dutch Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theo G van Tilburg ◽  
Stephanie Steinmetz ◽  
Elske Stolte ◽  
Henriëtte van der Roest ◽  
Daniel H de Vries
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Emotional Loneliness ◽  
Consequent Reduction ◽  
Policy Measures

Abstract Objectives With the spread of COVID-19, the Netherlands implemented a policy to keep citizens physically distanced. We hypothesize that consequent reduction in the frequency of social contacts, personal losses, and the experience of general threats in society reduced well-being. Methods Data were collected from 1,679 Dutch community-dwelling participants aged 65–102 years comprising a longitudinal online panel. Social and emotional loneliness and mental health were measured in May 2020, that is, 2 months after the implementation of the measures, and earlier in October and November 2019. Results In this pandemic, the loneliness of older people increased, but mental health remained roughly stable. The policy measures for physical distancing did not cause much social isolation but personal losses, worries about the pandemic, and a decline in trust in societal institutions were associated with increased mental health problems and especially emotional loneliness. Discussion The consequences of long-term social isolation and well-being must be closely monitored.

Economic crisis and mental health – findings from Greece

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (02) ◽  
pp. 90-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Christodoulou
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Private Care ◽  
Systemic Problems

Summary Background: The direct and indirect effects of the economic crisis in Greece have resulted in inequalities, poverty and unemployment. Public health services, social care and welfare have been both severely curtailed and overstretched by increased demand due to higher private care costs and the refugee crisis. For society’s most vulnerable this is beyond an economic crisis, it is a humanitarian crisis. Method: In this narrative review we report a continued rise in suicides, persistent mental health problems in the population, and continued systemic problems despite some successful reforms and slowing of the economic deterioration. Synergistic effects are identified between pre-existing systemic weaknesses, the effects of the crisis, and the effects of austerity. Outlook: Psychiatrists should promote evidence- based interventions, for example preventing mental illness by supporting vulnerable groups and by reducing inequalities. Evidence-based heurism is advocated for, in the interest of outcome. Psychiatrists also have a political role in tackling stigma towards mental illness, refugees and other vulnerable groups, and in promoting resilience and solidarity.

Poverty hits children first?

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (02) ◽  
pp. 67-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Fegert ◽  
D. Harsch ◽  
M. Kölch
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
Children First

SummaryPoverty is a risk factor for mental health problems during childhood and adolescence in general. The economic crisis (2007–2013) seemed to have intensified poverty in families within the most affected countries, esp. in the southern countries of Europe. Within a selective literature review, existing data on the risk of poverty, mental disorders in parents and further risk factors on mental health of children are analyzed. Direct effects like limited access to mental health care system may exist, but are not proved in general. From a developmental perspective, effects of the crisis seem more indirectly mediated by well-known risk factors for psychiatric disorders of children and adolescents: substance abuse in families, mental disorders of parents and loss of perspectives within families are risk factors both on mental health of a child but also for a low educational level which would be a resilience factor. There is evidence that an increase of child abuse and neglect (adverse childhood experiences, ACE) was linked to the economic crisis. Long-term effects e.g. due to ACE may be observed in later times, when children are grown-up.

scholarly journals Impact of economic crises on mental health care: a systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Silva ◽  
D. M. Resurrección ◽  
A. Antunes ◽  
D. Frasquilho ◽  
G. Cardoso
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Economic Crises ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Aims Unmet needs for mental health treatment are large and widespread, and periods of economic crisis may increase the need for care and the treatment gap, with serious consequences for individuals and society. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the empirical evidence on the association between periods of economic crisis and the use of mental health care. Methods Following the PRISMA statement, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Open Grey and Cochrane Database were searched for relevant publications, published between 1990 and 2018, from inception to June 2018. Search terms included (1) economic crisis, (2) use of mental health services and (3) mental health problems. Study selection, data extraction and the assessment of study quality were performed in duplicate. Results Seventeen studies from different countries met the inclusion criteria. The results from the included articles suggest that periods of economic crisis might be linked to an increase of general help sought for mental health problems, with conflicting results regarding the changes in the use of specialised psychiatric care. The evidence on the use of mental health care specifically due to suicide behaviour is mixed. The results also suggest that economic crises might be associated with a higher use of prescription drugs and an increase in hospital admissions for mental disorders. Conclusions Research on the impact of economic crises on the use of mental health care is scarce, and methodologies of the included papers are prone to substantial bias. More empirical and long-term studies on this topic are needed, in order to adapt mental health care systems to the specific needs of the population in times of economic crisis.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of interventions for reducing subjective and objective social isolation among people with mental health problems: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 839-876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruimin Ma ◽  
Farhana Mann ◽  
Jingyi Wang ◽  
Brynmor Lloyd-Evans ◽  
James Terhune ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

Abstract Purpose Subjective and objective social isolation are important factors contributing to both physical and mental health problems, including premature mortality and depression. This systematic review evaluated the current evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to improve subjective and/or objective social isolation for people with mental health problems. Primary outcomes of interest included loneliness, perceived social support, and objective social isolation. Methods Three databases were searched for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Studies were included if they evaluated interventions for people with mental health problems and had objective and/or subjective social isolation (including loneliness) as their primary outcome, or as one of a number of outcomes with none identified as primary. Results In total, 30 RCTs met the review’s inclusion criteria: 15 included subjective social isolation as an outcome and 11 included objective social isolation. The remaining four evaluated both outcomes. There was considerable variability between trials in types of intervention and participants’ characteristics. Significant results were reported in a minority of trials, but methodological limitations, such as small sample size, restricted conclusions from many studies. Conclusion The evidence is not yet strong enough to make specific recommendations for practice. Preliminary evidence suggests that promising interventions may include cognitive modification for subjective social isolation, and interventions with mixed strategies and supported socialisation for objective social isolation. We highlight the need for more thorough, theory-driven intervention development and for well-designed and adequately powered RCTs.

Impact of financial crisis on mental health: A literature review ‘puzzling’ findings from several countries

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110112
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Volkos ◽  
Emmanouil K Symvoulakis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Remote Access ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Economic Downturn ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Depth Analysis

Background: During the Great Recession of 2008 many of the European and other western economies had been affected with the unemployment rising and income shrinking. Daily lives of a country’s citizens always are affected by an economic downturn in various ways and mental health problems are expected to be worsen. Aim: The aim of this systematic review is to identify to what extent the economic crisis of the last decade has influenced mental health issues in daily life, by offering an in-depth analysis of such effect. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were followed and PubMed platform was used for the literature research. There were included articles that were published between 2009 and 2019. The search terms used were economic crisis and mental health. An extraction sheet was created to collect the results. Results: Thirty-five studies from several countries were included in this review. The results from this articles point out that specific social groups are more vulnerable during periods of economic crisis in terms of mental health impact. Depression, anxiety and stress are some of the most common outcomes. However, not all the evidence sources agree. Conclusions: Despite the disagreements, the economic downturn and its outcomes can effect negatively the psychological state either of the population as a whole or of specific subgroups. Mental health is largely affected by economy and regulatory adjustments of supportive care services are needed to buffer negative effects. Primary care could be a ‘remote access server’ of specific interventions designed to target vulnerable population groups. The development of strategies at a country level is essential in order to support the most vulnerable groups of the population during a recession period.

Effect of the worldwide crises on mental health

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 561-561
Author(s):  
K.H. Ng ◽  
M. Agius ◽  
R. Zaman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Economic Downturn ◽  
The Impact

The events that unfolded towards the end of 2008 led to the worst global economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. While the economic and political implications have been studied in detail, the impact on health – especially that of mental health – has received much less attention. This essay aims to achieve a critical evaluation of causality (or lack thereof) between an economic crisis and mental health, using a combination of psychological theories, statistical review and common logic.From a theoretical perspective, establishing the value-laden concept of mental health is core to this evaluation. We reflect on Professor Warr's component-based model of mental health and how/whether the economic downturn relates to these ‘components’ individually. On the statistical front, an analysis of data from previous global economic crises reveals a close association between job-related insecurities and psychological morbidities.We found that both psychological theory and epidemiological data support causation between a recession and conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Further, we also explore the effects of the crisis on the family unit, society and international relations. This will highlight issues like child abuse, the psychological impacts on the socially deprived, and effects of the crisis on the developing world.We also review the effectiveness of efforts of different nature and magnitude to mitigate the effects of this downturn. All this will hopefully impact on our understanding of the causes of mental health problems in times of economic insecurity and assist in developing strategies to ameliorate them.

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