The experience of a medical psychologist in a center for treatment of patients with new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)

Abstract

Objective. To assess the cognitive and emotional-affective spheres of functioning of patients with a new coronavirus infection who were treated in an infectious COVID hospital and to develop strategies for emergency psychological assistance.Materials and methods. The study sample consisted of patients admitted to the Center for the treatment of patients with new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) of I.P.Pavlov First St.-Petersburg State Medical University, who were assigned a consultation with a medical psychologist.Results. The predictors of more pronounced cognitive decline were determined: older age and severity of the disease, as well as predictors of a higher level of anxiety and depressive symptoms: younger age, previous traumatic situation and more severe course of the disease. Three main problem areas have been identified that require psychological intervention in the treatment of patients with COVID-19: cognitive impairment, high anxiety and depressive symptoms associated with psychological trauma of patients, conflicting or non-adherent patients.