Emotional and Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Induced Delay in Treatment of Medical Conditions

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the physical, social, economical and mental health globally. Social distancing, quarantine and national wide lockdowns became new norm. Hospital emergencies and were flooded with patients diagnosed with COVID-19, Intensive care units were full with critically ill COVID-19 patients. Most of the health care facilities were diverted towards the management of COVID 19 patients. Majority of the manpower were involved in the screening, diagnosing and management with those infected with COVID 19. There was no arrangements for non COVID patients which lead to delay in diagnosis of new onset disease and cancellation of the previously planned appointments of those with chronic disease. Delay in treatment resulted in increased anxiety, stress, fear and emotional and psychological disturbances in many.