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COVID-19 and Psychotherapeutic Advances in Mental Health Access, Delivery, and Treatment

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A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Psychiatric Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 January 2022) | Viewed by 33546

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Danielle Cha

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Guest Editor

1. Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
2. Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Interests: mental health; mood disorders; major depressive disorder; bipolar disorder; functional outcomes; comorbidity; cognition; wellbeing; psychotherapeutics; neuropsychopharmacology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I have been asked to Guest Edit a Special Issue of MDPI’s Brain Sciences.

I would like to invite you to submit original studies, systematic reviews, literature reviews, and/or meta-analyses on the topic “COVID-19 and Psychotherapeutic Advances in Mental Health Access, Delivery, and Treatment”.

The year 2020 has underscored the importance of mental health and its influence on overall health outcomes worldwide. During the past decade, replicated evidence has demonstrated the significant global disease burden associated with mental illness; however, fundamental research into the prevention and treatment of mental illness has remained disproportionately low relative to the disease burden. Now, in an already chronically underfunded health sector, the COVID-19 pandemic has forestalled critical mental health services in 93% of countries in a world that is demonstrating an astronomical increase in demand for mental health support services, according to the World Health Organization.

The overarching aim of this Special Issue is to provide up-to-date information on how COVID-19 has inspired advances is psychotherapeutics and different methods of providing mental health access, delivery, and treatment to patients across the globe. The overall scope of the issue is broad and aims to draw attention to the importance of mental health for overall health outcomes and how we can ensure equitable care for those with mental illness.

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request.

Sincerely,

Dr. Danielle Cha
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

COVID-19
mental health
psychotherapeutics
psychopharmacology
mood disorders
major depressive disorder
bipolar disorder
psychiatry
cognition
comorbidity
access
delivery
treatment
digital
telehealth
health
wellbeing
brain
neuroscience
clinical
function
pandemic
wellness

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 466 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Importance of Type D Personality in the Development of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) and Depression in Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Magdalena Gębska, Bartosz Dalewski, Łukasz Pałka, Łukasz Kołodziej and Ewa Sobolewska

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010028 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4075

Abstract

Background: a type D personality is a factor in a person’s susceptibility to general mental stress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many studies were conducted on the relationships among stressful situations, an individual’s personality, depression, and the occurrence of various diseases, e.g., cardiovascular disease or cancer, there are no analogous data on people with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Aim: the assessment of TMDs and depression symptoms in students with type D personality. Material and Methods: the research was carried out with the participation of 240 physiotherapy students. The study group (G1) consisted of 120 participants with type D personalities, the control group (G2) consisted of the same number of participants, without “stress” personalities. All subjects were assessed for the occurrence of TMD symptoms, as well as for depression and anxiety symptoms, using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), based on the proprietary questionnaire. Results: in students with type D personality symptoms, TMDs occurred significantly more often and in greater number (p = 0.00) than in those without stress personalities. The exception was the symptom of increased muscle tension, which showed no statistical difference (p = 0.22). Among the 240 respondents, depression was found in 128 people (53.3%). In the group of students with type D personalities, depression was significantly more frequent than in the group without type D personalities (p = 0.00). In participants with depression, TMD symptoms were more common, i.e., headaches, neck, and shoulder girdle pain, TMJ acoustic symptoms, increased masticatory muscle tension, teeth clenching, and teeth grinding. There was no significant difference between the incidence of depression and TMJ pain and jaw locking. There was a significant interaction between the occurrence of headaches and acoustic symptoms and the occurrence of depression. For headache and depression interactions, the OR was >1; based on the results, we may assume that a headache depends more on the occurrence of depression rather than it being a symptom of a TMJ disorder in people with type D personalities. Conclusion: type D personality and depression may contribute to the development of TMD symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Psychotherapeutic Advances in Mental Health Access, Delivery, and Treatment)

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15 pages, 1811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anxiety, Perceived Stress, and Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Population Estimates of Persons Presenting to a General Practitioner in Romania

by Tiberiu Constantin Ionescu, Bogdana Ioana Fetecau, Voicu Boscaiu and Catalina Tudose

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(11), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11111541 - 20 Nov 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3261

Abstract

Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals are experiencing severe mental distress. Thus, during the last year, drastic changes occurred in everyday life of every human being. Following social distancing and economic insecurity, significant increases in mental health concerns (loneliness, anxiety, depression, or insomnia) have developed. The objective of this study was to explore the anxiety, perceived stress, and resilience in a population presenting at the general practitioner, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected between February and April 2021 and 440 individuals who presented to the general practitioner were evaluated. Concerning anxiety level, almost half of the respondents (49,3%, N = 217) scored above the threshold value on the anxiety scale (mild intensity 38.6%, moderate intensity 9.9%, severe intensity 0.8%). Having a low level of resilience, as well as experiencing a high level of stress, are both predictive of the occurrence of high anxiety (p < 0.001, r = −0.551 and p < 0.001, r = 0.622, respectively). Furthermore, resilience is negatively related to perceived stress (p < 0.001, r = −0.676). It is critical in the current crisis to recognize those at risk of developing mental illnesses, taking into consideration the various socioeconomic classes, as well as to maintain and improve the general public’s mental health using appropriate psychological interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Psychotherapeutic Advances in Mental Health Access, Delivery, and Treatment)

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13 pages, 861 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Mental Health Difficulties Result in a Reduced Quality of Life in the Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

by Catalina Giurgi-Oncu, Cristina Tudoran, Gheorghe Nicusor Pop, Cristina Bredicean, Silvius Alexandru Pescariu, Ana Giurgiuca and Mariana Tudoran

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(11), 1456; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11111456 - 2 Nov 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2797

Abstract

(1) Background: Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, characterized by persisting symptoms up to 12 weeks after the acute illness, impairs numerous people’s physical and mental health. (2) Methods: 64 inpatients and 79 outpatients, aged under 55 years, with post-acute COVID-19, were evaluated by a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), mental health examination, Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire, post-COVID-19 functional status scale (PCFS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). (3) Results: all inpatients had mild/moderate pulmonary injury during acute COVID-19, in contrast to 37.97% of outpatients. Inpatients who reported an average of 5 persisting symptoms, had, predominantly, level 3 PCFS and a median QoL of 62, compared to outpatients, who reported an average of 3 symptoms, level 1 PCFS and a median QoL score of 70. Increased pulmonary artery pressure was detected in 28.11% of inpatients, compared to 17.72% of outpatients, while diastolic dysfunction was diagnosed in 28.12% of inpatients, in comparison with 20.25% of outpatients (p = 0.02). Abnormal systolic function was assessed in 9.37% of inpatients, and 7.58% of outpatients. According to the HADS depression subscale, 46.87% of inpatients and 27.84% of outpatients had clinical depression. Concomitantly, anxiety was detected in 34.37% of inpatients and 40.5% of outpatients (4) Conclusions: cardiovascular and mental health difficulties were frequently detected in patients with post-acute symptoms of COVID-19, which correlated with the number and intensity of persisting symptoms and reduced QoL scores. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Psychotherapeutic Advances in Mental Health Access, Delivery, and Treatment)

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14 pages, 493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coping Strategies and Stress Related Disorders in Patients with COVID-19

by Liana Dehelean, Ion Papava, Madalina Iuliana Musat, Mariana Bondrescu, Felix Bratosin, Bianca Oana Bucatos, Ana-Maria Cristina Bortun, Daniela Violeta Mager, Radu Stefan Romosan, Ana-Maria Romosan, Roxana Paczeyka, Talida Georgiana Cut, Silvius Alexandru Pescariu and Ruxandra Laza

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(10), 1287; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11101287 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3632

Abstract

Patients with severe COVID-19 experience high-stress levels and thus are at risk for developing acute stress disorder (ASD) and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study aims to search for correlations between psychiatric response to stress and coping strategies among individuals with acute vs. remitted COVID-19. Ninety subjects with COVID-19 were included in the study, divided into two samples by disease category. Our focus was analysing the perceived stress intensity according to NSESSS and PCL-C-17 scales, and coping strategies with COPE-60. High NSESSS scores were found in 40% of acute patients, and 15.6% of remitted patients had high PCL-C-17 scores fulfilling the criteria for PTSD. We found a negative correlation between stress level and disease category. Acute patients used significantly more engagement and emotion-focused coping methods, but less disengagement types of coping than patients in the remitted phase. Remitted patients under high stress levels are prone to use disengagement and emotion-focused coping strategies. In conclusion, remitted COVID-19 patients experience lower levels of stress and use less emotion-focused strategies, except among those who developed PTSD post-COVID-19 infection, presenting with high-stress levels and using more disengagement and emotion-focused types of coping strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Psychotherapeutic Advances in Mental Health Access, Delivery, and Treatment)

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16 pages, 635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Is the Role of Resilience and Coping Strategies on the Mental Health of the General Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic? Results from the Italian Multicentric COMET Study

by Gaia Sampogna, Valeria Del Vecchio, Vincenzo Giallonardo, Mario Luciano, Umberto Albert, Claudia Carmassi, Giuseppe Carrà, Francesca Cirulli, Bernardo Dell’Osso, Giulia Menculini, Mariagiulia Nanni, Maurizio Pompili, Gabriele Sani, Umberto Volpe, Valeria Bianchini and Andrea Fiorillo

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(9), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11091231 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 5962

Abstract

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health are now well documented, however, few studies have been focused on the role of coping strategies and resilience in counterbalancing these detrimental effects. Data are derived from the COvid Mental hEalth Trial (COMET), a national multicentric trial carried out in the Italian general population. The final sample consisted of 20,720 participants, 53.1% (n = 11,000) of the sample reported low levels of resilience. Adaptive coping strategies and resilience levels did not have any significant protective impact on the levels of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Only self-distraction was a risk factor for poor mental health (Beta Coefficient, B = 0.1, 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 0.003 to 0.267 for stress symptoms; B = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.077 to 0.324 for anxiety symptoms and B = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.105 to 0.382 for depressive symptoms). High levels of resilience were predicted by adaptive coping strategies, such as acceptance (B = 1.8, CI 95% = 1.4–2.7). Exposure to the different weeks of lockdown, being infected by COVID-19, and being a healthcare professional did not influence the levels of resilience. Our findings should be carefully considered, since the low levels of resilience may represent the missing link between the pandemic and the current increase in mental health problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Psychotherapeutic Advances in Mental Health Access, Delivery, and Treatment)

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Review

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11 pages, 599 KiB

Open AccessReview

Support Needs and Interventions for Family Caregivers of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A Narrative Review with Report of Telemedicine Experiences at the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic

by Giulia D’Alvano, Daniela Buonanno, Carla Passaniti, Manuela De Stefano, Luigi Lavorgna, Gioacchino Tedeschi, Mattia Siciliano and Francesca Trojsi

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010049 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4125

Abstract

Family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a severely disabling neurodegenerative disease due to the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, have a very demanding role in managing their relatives, thereby often experiencing heavy care burden. Previous literature has widely highlighted that this situation reduces caregivers’ quality of life and increases their psychological distress and risk of health problems, but there are relatively few studies that focus on psychological interventions for these situations. Family support is more—not less—important during crisis. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining public safety has required restricting the physical presence of families for hospitalized patients. Caregivers of ALS patients felt increased sense of loneliness and experienced greater difficulties in the access to both hospital and home assistance. In response, health systems rapidly adapted family-centric procedures and tools to circumvent restrictions on physical presence. In this regard, internet-based and telehealth solutions have been adopted to facilitate the routine, predictable, and structured communication, crucial to family-centered care. This narrative review aims at addressing more current matters on support needs and interventions for improving wellbeing of caregivers of ALS patients. In particular, we aimed at highlighting several gaps related to the complex needs of caregivers of ALS patients, to the interventions carried out in order to respond to these needs, and to the changes that COVID-19 pandemic caused from 2020 to nowadays in clinical managing of ALS patients. Finally, we report ongoing experiences of psychological support for family caregivers of ALS patients through telehealth solutions, which have been reinforced in case of needing of physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Psychotherapeutic Advances in Mental Health Access, Delivery, and Treatment)

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18 pages, 1986 KiB

Open AccessReview

Social Isolation, Loneliness and Generalized Anxiety: Implications and Associations during the COVID-19 Quarantine

by Linas Wilkialis, Nelson B. Rodrigues, Danielle S. Cha, Ashley Siegel, Amna Majeed, Leanna M. W. Lui, Jocelyn K. Tamura, Barjot Gill, Kayla Teopiz and Roger S. McIntyre

Brain Sci. 2021, 11(12), 1620; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11121620 - 8 Dec 2021

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 8390

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a predominantly global quarantine response that has been associated with social isolation, loneliness, and anxiety. The foregoing experiences have been amply documented to have profound impacts on health, morbidity, and mortality. This narrative review uses the extant neurobiological and theoretical literature to explore the association between social isolation, loneliness, and anxiety in the context of quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging evidence suggests that distinct health issues (e.g., a sedentary lifestyle, a diminished overall sense of well-being) are associated with social isolation and loneliness. The health implications of social isolation and loneliness during quarantine have a heterogenous and comorbid nature and, as a result, form a link to anxiety. The limbic system plays a role in fear and anxiety response; the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, amygdala, HPA axis, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, insula, and locus coeruleus have an impact in a prolonged anxious state. In the conclusion, possible solutions are considered and remarks are made on future areas of exploration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Psychotherapeutic Advances in Mental Health Access, Delivery, and Treatment)

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