Biopsychopharmacosocial approach to assess impact of social distancing and isolation on mental health in older adults

Abstract

It is impossible to predict or comprehend the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The UK Government's advice for vulnerable people, including older adults, to move towards self-isolation and social distancing is likely to reduce rates of transmission, the risk of severe illness and the impact on the acute health services. Although justified and necessary, this process of isolation is likely to have a negative impact on the mental health of these vulnerable groups, especially older people. It will become increasingly important for community health professionals to assess subtle changes in older persons' mental health, as the duration of this period of isolation remains unclear. The biopsychopharmacosocial model provides one method of assessing mental health and planning health and social care needs. This article hopes to guide community health professionals through the specifics of this assessment model in relation to the growing COVID-19 pandemic.

Perceptions, feelings, and the routine of older adults during the isolation period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study in four countries

“…The social isolation, whose objective is diminishing the dispersion of the virus, may cause negative repercussions in the psychological aspects, and can lead to the emergence of emotional disorders, such as depression symptoms, insomnia, and signs of post-traumatic stress (Fulton, 2020). It is essential for health professionals to evaluate the small changes that may surface in the mental health of the older adults, provoked by how unpredictable of this isolation (Baker & Clark, 2020).…”

Applying the Model of Human Occupation During the Pandemic Stay-at-Home Order

“…A sudden inability to act on one's interests is likely to lead to a decreased quality of life. For example, for many older adults, who are at higher risk for having a more severe case of COVID-19, engaging in regular physical activity with other older adults is a valued interest and positively associated with prevention of physical and psychological problems (Baker & Clark, 2020). As the result of a stay-at-home order or home quarantine, older adults may not be able to participate in their valued interests, and, therefore, are likely to experience reduced life satisfaction and reduced physical and mental well-being (Baker & Clark, 2020).…”

“…For example, for many older adults, who are at higher risk for having a more severe case of COVID-19, engaging in regular physical activity with other older adults is a valued interest and positively associated with prevention of physical and psychological problems (Baker & Clark, 2020). As the result of a stay-at-home order or home quarantine, older adults may not be able to participate in their valued interests, and, therefore, are likely to experience reduced life satisfaction and reduced physical and mental well-being (Baker & Clark, 2020). In response to the person's challenges with enacting their interests, occupational therapists can support an individual to identify new interests or modify how they engage in current interests to align with a stay-at-home order.…”

Protocol for rapid implementation of a SARS-CoV-2 sero-survey during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic – who, where, how?

“…One initial goal for Phase 1 was to recruit within communities with whom author WW had previously worked, including older adults from the metro-Atlanta LGBTQIA and Black/African American communities (21). Greater health concerns from disenfranchised and older adults during the pandemic, were not surprising to us (22, 23), but in addition to self-imposed travel restrictions, retirement communities’ mandatory quarantines limited older adults’ participation. With inconsistent information and policies across Atlanta, our recruitment goals for older adults and particularly individuals from underrepresented groups, were not met despite our team’s best effort to create a safe study site.…”