Psychological Effects and Interventions during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A review of the existing literature

 Due to serious psychological effects of the new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) like stress, anxiety, depression and Post traumatic stress disorder, the purpose of this study was to investigate, identify and provide psychological interventions to people involved especially medical staff, Patients, their families and those quarantined.

Published studies on psychological interventions during the Pandemic Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) were reviewed, from January 1 to May 11, 2020. The search terms were nCoV, 2019 novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, Pneumonia, Psychological interventions, crisis intervention, mental health, COVID-19, Pandemic. Literature for this review was identified by searching the following online databases: PubMed, science direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, ProQuest, SID, IranMedex and MagIran. In addition, some papers published online by the National Health Commission of China, National Center of Disease Prevention and Control, and WHO were also searched. This study analyzed and discussed 75 research articles published until 11 May, 2020.

Of 102 articles found, 75 were reviewed. The results showed negative psychological effects including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, anger on medical staff and other people involved with coronavirus were significantly increased. Stressors included health anxiety, conspiracy theories, longer quarantine duration, infection fears, frustration, boredom, inadequate supplies, inadequate information, financial loss, rumors, Negative beliefs about vaccination, and stigma. Findings show that at the time of the outbreak, online cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective.

Review of previous studies, have shown that people's mental health, especially medical staff involved in this disease during the Pandemic Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) decreases and dealing with it requires quick, continuous and timely psychological intervention, especially online services and the benefits of online psychological services is much greater than face-to-face psychological services.