The Psychological Impact of Quarantine and How to Reduce It: Rapid Review of the Evidence

Affective temperament, attachment style, and the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak: an early report on the Italian general population

“…The documented connection between viral epidemics and psychological distress dates back more than 100 years ago, when Menniger linked the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic with psychiatric complications (Menninger, 1919). People's emotional responses during massive infectious disease outbreaks are likely to include feelings of extreme fear and uncertainty that, along with the separation from loved ones and the limitations of freedom, may eventually lead to dramatic mental health burden (Brooks et al, 2020). Hence, we conducted a survey to investigate the Italian population's psychological response during an early phase of the epidemic.…”

“…The COVID-19 outbreak is currently leading to severe mental health burden in worst-hit countries (Fiorillo et al, 2020;Kang et al, 2020). Containment measures, including self-isolation and social distancing, have a strong impact on the population's daily life and may negatively affect psychological well-being (Brooks et al, 2020). However, mixed evidence is available about the role of interindividual characteristics and demographics in determining the psychological response of a population facing large-scale stressful events.…”

COVID-19 in People with Mental Illness: Challenges and Vulnerabilities

“…Apart from practical difficulties in implementation, there can be further deterioration in their mental status, including anger and anxiety 4-6 months after release from quarantine (Jeong et al, 2016). Brooks et al (2020), following a review of evidence have recommended strategies to minimize psychological effects of quarantine by good communication, restricting duration to absolute minimum, providing adequate supplies and practical advice on coping with boredom and stress.…”

Psychiatrist in post-COVID-19 era – Are we prepared?

“…While higher income countries already apprehending worse recession and socioeconomic setbacks, low-and-middle income countries like India is high likely to face the worse. Many already proven social factors like: being sick, prolonged hospitalization, death of loved ones, loss of job, months of forced quarantine, lack of supply, stigma -is likely to hit us all, especially those who are more vulnerable to stress and already suffering from mental illness (Mak et al, 2009;Brooks et al, 2020) (Table 1).…”