COVID-19 and Psychological Effects: A Review in Clinical Psychology Perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this review study is to examine the psychological effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on individuals in different groups. When the literature is examined, it can be stated that this epidemic causes negative emotional reactions such as anxiety, fear, and anger in adults, increases stress levels, increases their susceptibility to psychological disorders such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and causes suicidal thoughts and insomnia. It can be stated that fear and anxiety are experienced intensely in children and adolescents, anxiety disorders increase, and their parents need to make explanations appropriate to their children's cognitive levels to prevent these disorders. It is indicated that health workers struggling with the epidemic on the field have symptoms related to anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depressive disorders. They experience sleep disorders and their effective problem-solving skills decrease due to the stress and conflicts they experience. In the light of this information, it can be thought that it is important that health authorities and the media emphasize issues such as raising awareness about symptoms related to psychological disorders, activities that support psychological health, and the importance of receiving psychological support when necessary. In the last part of the study, it was aimed to make suggestions for future research about pandemic related psychological disorders in our country. In this context, it has been suggested that studies can be carried out related to exposure to traumatic contents in the media, curfew, how being in certain age groups affect individuals, the effectiveness of primary and secondary prevention interventions and various psychological interventions, and the effective use of social support mechanisms in the pandemic process. Keywords COVID-19, psychological effects, psychological disorders, clinical psychology, post traumatic stress disorder