What should mental health providers know about coronavirus (COVID-19)?

All healthcare professionals have a role in the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The American Psychiatric Association offers resources that are summarized below.

• Stay Informed and follow reliable sources like the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or World Health Organization.
• Follow basic hygienic precautions, similar to those used to prevent the spread of other diseases.
• Adverse psychological and behavioral responses to infectious disease outbreaks are common and include insomnia, reduced feelings of safety, scapegoating, increased use of alcohol and tobacco, somatic symptoms, and increased use of medical resources. Anticipate and address stress reactions.

For more details see:

• COVID-19 Mental Health Impacts: Resources for Psychiatrists (American Psychiatric Association, March 2020)
• Coronavirus and Mental Health: Taking Care of Ourselves During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (American Psychiatric Association, February 2020)
• A Message from the APA on COVID-19 (American Psychiatric Association, March 2020)
• Guidance from the World Health Organization on COVID-19 outbreak
• Coronavirus and Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreak Response (Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University)