Harmful Effects of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Its Social Repercussions

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic constitutes a global emergency, with a high impact on public health, including mental health. This situation currently represents a challenge for health professionals in all fields. In the absence of a definitive cure, the most effective measures to reduce the number of infected cases is those that involve social isolation and specifically the establishment of quarantines. Objective: To determine the psychological disorders most frequently presented during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: A bibliographic and documentary review was carried out on the subject in authorized digital data sources and websites of recognized scientific prestige on psychological and social aspects, linked to the epidemics that occurred historically and in particular to the Covid-19 pandemic. The consultations were made in Scopus, EBSCO Health, PubMed (search engine), SciELO and PsycINFO, with an emphasis on original articles and systematic reviews. For the search, the following keywords were used in English and Spanish: quarantine, social isolation, psychological impact, psychological and social reaction. Conclusions: Prolonged confinement and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic has been responsible for the deterioration of mental health in some individuals, due to the post-traumatic stress that these conditions generate, manifesting itself more frequently by anxiety, depression, insomnia and panic. which has led to harmful behaviors and inappropriate social behaviors, explained in a general way by anxiety and panic of deficiencies, mainly food.