COVID-19 and Social Distancing: Impact on Communication, Learnability and Mental Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Tej K. Bhatia ◽  
Maureen Edmonds
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Distancing

scholarly journals COVID-19 and Mental Health: Predicted Mental Health Status is Associated with Clinical Symptoms and Pandemic-Related Psychological and Behavioral Responses

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Y Chung ◽  
Alison Gibbons ◽  
Lauren Atlas ◽  
Elizabeth Ballard ◽  
Monique Ernst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background: The COVID 19 pandemic led to dramatic threats to health and social life. Study objectives are to develop a prediction model leveraging subsample of known Patient/Controls and evaluate the relationship of predicted mental health status to clinical outcome measures and pandemic-related psychological and behavioral responses during lockdown (spring/summer 2020). Methods: Online cohort study conducted by National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program. Convenience sample of English speaking adults (enrolled 4/4 to 5/16/20; n=1,992). Enrollment measures: demographics, clinical history, functional status, psychiatric and family history, alcohol/drug use. Outcome measures (enrollment and q2 weeks/6 months): distress, loneliness, mental health symptoms, and COVID 19 survey. NIMH IRP Patient/Controls survey responses informed assignment of Patient Probability Scores (PPS) for all participants. Regression models analyzed the relationship between PPS and outcome measures. Outcomes: Mean age 46.0, female (82.4%), white (88.9 %). PPS correlated with distress, loneliness, depression, and mental health factors. PPS associated with negative psychological responses to COVID 19. Worry about mental health (OR 1.46) exceeded worry about physical health (OR 1.13). PPS not associated with adherence to social distancing guidelines but was with stress related to social distancing and worries about infection of self/others. Interpretation: Mental health status (PPS) was associated with concurrent clinical ratings and COVID 19 specific negative responses. A focus on mental health during the pandemic is warranted, especially among those with mental health vulnerabilities. We will include PPS when conducting longitudinal analyses of mental health trajectories and risk and resilience factors that may account for differing clinical outcomes. Funding: NIMH (ZIAMH002922); NCCIH (ZIAAT000030)

scholarly journals Hallucinations in a Patient with Alzheimer’s Disease During the COVID-19 Crisis: A Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 455-458
Author(s):  
Mohamad El Haj ◽  
Frank Larøi ◽  
Karim Gallouj
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Social Distancing

While social distancing may be deemed necessary in order to avoid COVID-19 infections, the lockdown may impact mental health of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We present a case study involving hallucinations in a patient with AD who lives in a nursing home during the COVID-19 crisis. We compared this patient’s hallucination scores before and during the lockdown. We observed increased hallucinations during, compared to before, the lockdown. These increased hallucinations can be attributed to a number of elements such as the decreased in daily activities, social distancing, lack of physical contact with family members, and loneliness during the lockdown.

scholarly journals Coronavirus disease 2019: achieving good mental health during social isolation

2020 ◽  
Vol 217 (2) ◽  
pp. 408-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rowan Diamond ◽  
John Willan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Good Mental Health

SummaryThe coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to unprecedented disruption to the normal way of life for people around the globe. Social distancing, self-isolation or shielding have been strongly advised or mandated in most countries. We suggest evidence-based ways that people can maintain or even strengthen their mental health during this crisis.

scholarly journals Biopsychopharmacosocial approach to assess impact of social distancing and isolation on mental health in older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 231-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Baker ◽  
Louise L Clark
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Impact

It is impossible to predict or comprehend the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The UK Government's advice for vulnerable people, including older adults, to move towards self-isolation and social distancing is likely to reduce rates of transmission, the risk of severe illness and the impact on the acute health services. Although justified and necessary, this process of isolation is likely to have a negative impact on the mental health of these vulnerable groups, especially older people. It will become increasingly important for community health professionals to assess subtle changes in older persons' mental health, as the duration of this period of isolation remains unclear. The biopsychopharmacosocial model provides one method of assessing mental health and planning health and social care needs. This article hopes to guide community health professionals through the specifics of this assessment model in relation to the growing COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Family support as a protective factor for attitudes toward social distancing and in preserving positive mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
pp. 135910532097169
Author(s):  
Shifeng Li ◽  
Qingying Xu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Perceived Support ◽  
Chinese People ◽  
Social Distancing

We examined the role of family support in influencing attitudes about social distancing and positive mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic among 1547 Chinese people. The results showed that after the effects of demographic variables were controlled, perceived support from family members made unique contributions to their attitudes about social distancing and positive mental health both directly and indirectly (via buffering loneliness). These results suggest that strong support from family plays an important role in improving individuals’ attitudes about social distancing and maintaining positive mental health during the epidemic.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and social restrictions: the potential mental health impact of social distancing and isolation for young Indigenous Australians

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 599-600
Author(s):  
Kim Usher ◽  
Rhonda Marriott ◽  
Reakeeta Smallwood ◽  
Roz Walker ◽  
Carrington Shepherd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Indigenous Australians ◽  
Social Distancing

scholarly journals Time-Dependent Effects of Exposure to Nature and Perceived Behavioral Control over Social Distancing in Shared Open Spaces on Psychological Distress of Residents during Pandemic of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyyedeh Fatemeh Mousavinia
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
The Body ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Positive Effects

Abstract Background: Further research into the influence of the COVID-19 epidemic on mental health is needed. Some research has highlighted the positive effects of nature exposure on mental health, as well as the importance of subjective assessments of green spaces. Methods: Considering both private and semi-public environments, the current longitudinal study examines the moderating effects of exposure to nature and perceived behavioral control over social distancing on the relationship between perceived interior crowding, social isolation, and psychological distress. Finally, it investigates whether these connections change through time. During the Iranian national lockdowns, data from 718 middle-aged women who completed an online questionnaire survey in two waves were used. Results and Conclusion: The findings of structural equation modeling back up the idea that social isolation plays a key role in the association between perceived interior crowding and psychological distress. Multi-Group Analysis revealed that exposure to nature reduced the negative effects of perceived interior crowding on psychological distress, as predicted. Nevertheless, this relationship is time-dependent and nature exposure during the time did not necessarily assist in reducing negative impacts. The current research adds to the body of knowledge by identifying perceived behavioral control as a buffer against the adverse effects of social isolation on psychological distress over time. These findings provide for a better understanding of psychological processes and could help in the promotion of design policies in the event of a pandemic.

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