COVID-19 psychiatry updates: Pandemic-related grief, virus' impact on the brain and more

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures to combat the spread of the virus have significantly affected the mental health of individuals throughout the United States and the world.

Healio Psychiatry has compiled a list of stories that highlight these effects and offer guidance on what can be done to mitigate their impact.

Clinicians can help ease burden of grief, trauma during COVID-19 pandemic

Patients and clinicians alike are at significant risk for experiencing grief and trauma related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to experts. Read more.

Q&A: Maintaining mental health upon returning to the workplace during COVID-19 pandemic

Healio Psychiatry spoke with K. Luan Phan, MD, chair of the department of psychiatry and behavioral health at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, regarding the unique challenges individuals may face upon their return to work and how clinicians and employers can aid this transition from a mental health perspective. Read more.

Measures needed to prevent COVID-19 spread in psychiatric facilities

Implementation of tailored infection prevention and control measures in psychiatric facilities may help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, according to results of a report published in MMWR. Read more.

COVID-19 infection linked to acute neurological, psychiatric complications

COVID-19 infection appeared associated with several acute neurological and psychiatric complications, according to results of a surveillance study conducted in the U.K. and published in The Lancet Psychiatry. Read more

COVID-19 pandemic, infection increase risk for general psychiatric disorders, loneliness

The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as infection with the virus, appeared associated with increased risk for development of general psychiatric disorders and loneliness, according to study results published in Psychiatry Research. Read more.