The scope of mental health research during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath

Br J Psychiatry. 2020 Oct;217(4):540-542. doi: 10.1192/bjp.2020.125.

Abstract

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on population mental health are unknown. We need to understand the scale of any such impact in different sections of the population, who is most affected and how best to mitigate, prevent and treat any excess morbidity. We propose a coordinated and interdisciplinary mental health science response.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; clinical neurology; psychosocial; psychosocial interventions.

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus / pathogenicity
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / psychology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders* / prevention & control
  • Mental Disorders* / virology
  • Mental Health
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration
  • Mental Health Services / standards
  • Pandemics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / psychology
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / therapy
  • Preventive Psychiatry / methods*
  • Psychosocial Support Systems*
  • Public Health / methods*
  • Quality Improvement
  • Research Design
  • Risk Assessment / methods
  • SARS-CoV-2