Psychiatric News (4/13) reports, “The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to dramatic public health actions at a national level to reduce human contact in hopes of slowing virus transmission,” but in a viewpoint published online April 10 in JAMA Psychiatry, “mental health experts discuss the potential of this long-term isolation to increase suicide risk.” In order to help mitigate “these risks, psychiatrists and mental health professionals should determine ways to incorporate mental health screening into COVID-19 screening and prevention efforts.” In addition, they should “consider ways to reach patients who are using tele-mental health services or receiving care in alternative treatment settings (such as a private space outside).”
Related Links:
— “Experts Warn of Potential of COVID-19 to Increase Suicide Risk, Psychiatric News, April 13, 2020