Space missions: psychological and psychopathological issues

Abstract

Exploring space is one of the most attractive goals that humanity ever set, notwithstanding, there are some psychological and psychopathological risks that should be considered. Several studies identified some possible hazards of space travels and related physical and psychological consequences on astronauts. If some psychological reactions are obviously inherent to the characteristics of the spaceships (habitability, confinement, psychological, and interpersonal relationships), other (disturbances of sleep-wake cycle, personality changes, depression, anxiety, apathy, psychosomatic symptoms, neurovestibular problems, alterations in cognitive function, and sensory perception) represent a clear warning of possible central nervous system (CNS) alterations, possibly due to microgravity and cosmic radiation. Such conditions and eventual CNS changes might compromise the success of missions and the ability to cope with unexpected events and may lead to individual and long-term impairments. Therefore, further studies are needed, perhaps, requiring the birth of a novel branch of psychology/psychiatry that should not only consider the risks related to space exploration, but the implementation of targeted strategies to prevent them.

Genetic diversity, clinical uses, and phytochemical and pharmacological properties of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.): an important medicinal plant

“…Some possible hazards of space travel could be related to physical and psychological consequences on astronauts The potential application of safflower in space to supply space drugs and foods. Frontiers in Pharmacology frontiersin.org 10 (Marazziti et al, 2022). Thus, medications are commonly administered during missions to treat space sickness.…”

Understanding the Complexities and Changes of the Astronaut Microbiome for Successful Long-Duration Space Missions

“…They may include homesickness and loneliness, apathy, interpersonal stressors, and sexual attraction/tension [63]. A constricted living environment can lead to isolation, loss of spatial capacity, increased anxiety and depression, which can be accompanied by symptoms such as hallucinations, reduced consciousness and poor bodily coordination [64,65]. Additional psychological triggers range from external physical hazards such as space debris and vehicular malfunction to gravitational shifts and outer space radiation [65].…”

“…The spacecraft environment, in particular the lack of ultraviolet exposure, increased carbon dioxide levels, the spacesuit atmosphere, etc., can affect nutrition requirements for long-duration missions. Crewmembers may even experience a reduction in their food intake, dubbed "anorexia in space" which may be linked to microgravity, alterations in the circadian rhythm (continuous light environment of space missions) and "menu fatigue", which not only affects appetite but the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal system [64]. Hence, nutritious and palatable food is necessary not only to meet nutritional requirements and avoid deficiency diseases, but also to keep astronauts psychologically healthy [67].…”

“…As a matter of fact, the duration of an astronaut's sleep is reportedly reduced to around 6 to 6.5 h/day during missions [69]. Psychosomatic disorders (e.g., headaches, fear of illness, gastroenteric problems), consisting of distressing physical symptoms which are not fully explained by a real physical condition, have also been reported from space [64]. Similarly, post-return personality changes and psychiatric problems have been observed in space travelers [70].…”

“…The latter is a problematic syndrome quite commonly observed during long-duration missions that produces fatigue, irritability, attention and concentration difficulties, along with heightened perceptual sensitivities, physical weakness, sleep and appetite problems, etc. [64,75].…”