The Epidemiological Impact of Mental Health Disorders in Post-Pandemic Societies: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented global health challenges, significantly impacting mental health across various populations. The emotional toll of the pandemic has led to the emergence of conditions such as post-pandemic stress disorder (PPSD), particularly among vulnerable groups, including healthcare workers and those with pre-existing mental health issues.

Methods: This review synthesizes existing literature on the epidemiology of mental health disorders in post-pandemic societies, focusing on PPSD and its prevalence. A comprehensive search of the PubMed database was conducted, utilizing MeSH terms and Boolean operators to identify relevant studies published between 2019 and 2023. The review includes findings from various demographic groups, including healthcare professionals and the general public.

Results: The findings indicate a significant prevalence of stress-related disorders, with studies revealing that 36.5% of older adults reported clinically significant symptoms of traumatic stress related to COVID-19. In healthcare workers, the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and burnout has markedly increased, with rates as high as 44% for PTSD in some studies. Moreover, the psychological impact extends to dietary habits and lifestyle changes, exacerbating mental health challenges.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for mental health support and intervention strategies tailored to address the long-term psychological effects of global health crises. Implementing early psychoeducation and accessible mental health resources is crucial to mitigate the impact of PPSD and enhance overall public health resilience.