Post-Pandemic Stress Disorder as an Effect of the Epidemiological Situation Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

According to many experts in the fields of psychology and psychiatry, the destabilization resulting from the coronavirus pandemic may not be as noticeable now as it will be after the pandemic period is over. Undoubtedly, the fact that the surrounding reality is standardized and normalized by many at present contributes to this. In the opinion of many researchers, the scale and degree of trauma experienced by society will only be noticed by many once the pandemic is over. Many also suggest that we will experience post-pandemic stress disorder. This literature review aims to bring together in one place the information that speaks to the nature of the problem, which is post-pandemic stress disorder. The main sections of the paper deal with exposure to the disorder in the general population and a review of the current literature on the subject. The second section deals with a group of medical personnel who are on the direct frontline in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic; it is assumed here that they are those who are at much higher risk of developing post-pandemic stress disorder.

Do executive functions buffer against COVID-19 stress?

“…Our research suggests that individuals with lower levels of executive functions might be exposed to a heightened risk of COVID-19 stress and its detrimental effects (Hatun & Kurtça, 2022 ; Passavanti et al, 2021 ; Madison et al, 2021 ), pointing to the necessity of targeted interventions (Holmes et al, 2020 ). This is especially critical in the current post-pandemic stage, given that the prevalence of mental health disorders such as post-pandemic stress disorder is expected to rise as a result of the pandemic’s long-term effects (Kathirvel, 2020 ; Łaskawiec et al, 2022 ; Tandon 2020 ; Taylor et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Despite increased attention to studying the prevalence of COVID-19 stress (e.g., Mahmud et al, 2021 ; Salari et al, 2020 ), few studies have identified risk factors that could inform targeted interventions. Protecting populations against the psychological effects of COVID-19 remains highly relevant during the post-pandemic period not solely because pandemics are far from once-in-a-lifetime events (Taylor, 2022 ), but also because the prevalence of mental health disorders is expected to rise over time with the pandemic’s long-term ramifications (Colizzi et al, 2022 ; Kathirvel, 2020 ; Łaskawiec et al, 2022 ; Tandon, 2020 ; Taylor et al, 2020 ). These include, but are not limited to, the pandemic’s effects on the economy, social relationships and individual health (Łaskawiec et al, 2022 ).…”

Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S)

“…Indeed, finding the cause of such symptoms is more important than trying to deal with the symptoms alone. Otherwise, the symptoms will recur and people constantly might experience a condition so-called a state of danger [ 12 ]. Thus, assessing phobia in this period seems essential.…”

The Level of COVID-19 Anxiety among Oncology Patients in Poland

“…Several studies have highlighted the correlation between increased fear and anxiety towards COVID-19 and psychophysical deterioration [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. It is also worth mentioning that some WHO reports indicate the existence of symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder in the population [ 33 , 34 , 35 ].…”