There are reports and subjective evidence suggesting that COVID-19 had impacted people psychologically. Hence, only counselling is not sufficient as hundreds of these patients require psychiatrist intervention.

According to data accessed by TOI, since May the government has conducted 4.8 lakh counselling sessions (multiple sessions with a single person in many cases). Approximately 8,000 of these patients are administered medicine for problems alternating from adjustment disorders, severe depression and suicidal tendencies.

Psychiatrist Dr A Jagadish said that simple counselling was not enough in several cases. When a patient needs psychiatrist intervention along with medication then it means that the condition is severe.

In one of the cases, he said that a woman from Hubballi had become suicidal due to anxieties. Her condition worsened more when she was tested positive for COVID-19. He further said that these are still in itail days and private hospitals are not allowed to treat COVID-19 patients.

They had to shift her to Victoria Hospital and the psychiatrist over there treated her. The psychiatrist was happy that she became fine. As per the health and family welfare department, counselling and treatment can happen in those who are in quarantine (both home and institutional), followed by coronavirus patients.

One official said that they’ve counselled and treated migrant workers. From July, they’ve started counselling healthcare workers and doctors, but nobody required treatment till now.

Out of the 4.8 lakh counselling sessions, 71,002 sessions were for migrant workers and 12,477 sessions were for healthcare workers and doctors. Treatment was provided for more than 1,500 migrant workers.

Dr Rajani P, psychiatrist and deputy director, department of health and family welfare, said that in many cases, supportive psychotherapy was enough. In cases, where people were severely depressed, or very anxious or suicidal, they’ve administered medicines. The most important thing is that people should seek help when they are in distress.

She further said that 80 psychiatrists that includes from government hospitals too, 31 psychologists, 41 social workers, 60 nurses who are trained in counselling, all are working continuously. She said that she was treating a techie who was complaining of fatigue and stress. It had progressed to sleeplessness and anxiety because his fever was persistent. At a certain point, he was almost ready to give up everything. Such cases do require treatment with counselling.

Source: ET Healthworld