what psychological effects on humans?

Since Tuesday March 17, at noon, the French have been confined to their homes. A few days earlier, a meta-analysis focused on the psychological effects of quarantine. Studies come together: being forced to stay at home has negative effects. Despite everything, no fatality since there are multiple ways to brighten up your mind!

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Scientists are hurrying. They hasten to find drugs, to design a vaccine, but also to dissect the consequences of the pandemic of coronavirus. In meta-analysis published in The Lancet, a team of researchers from King’s College (United Kingdom) reviewed 24 studies detailing the effects psychological of quarantine. These works were carried out in ten countries during previous epidemics : Sars (11 studies), Ebola (five), influenza H1N1 (three), Mers-CoV or Middle East respiratory syndrome (two), and equine influenza (one).

And their conclusions converge. On the one hand, the terms of a containment change its impact. Indeed, when the end date is pushed back, even indefinite, the psychological impact is greater. On the other hand, this psychological impact could last over time: up to several years.

In some people, the repercussions of containment may be harmful to the point of suicide. Day and night, the SOS Amitié association listens to anyone who needs support, while respecting anonymity and confidentiality on 09 72 39 40 50 or by cat. This is also the case for the Suicide Écoute association on 01 45 39 40 00.

When brain and body go in circles

The days pass. Each activity of foyer has been made and redone. Children crack. One of the works analyzed brings it to light: children subjected to a quarantine period have four times more symptoms of post-traumatic stress that children who have not undergone it. At the hospital staff, these symptoms may persist for three years.

Overall, the meta-analysis points to the symptoms of post-traumatic stress, the depression, anger, fear, drug abuse, but especially low morale. Indeed, the least worrying effect noted by researchers is also the most common: the rate of prevalence morale in the socks is 73%.

At the same time, frustration and boredom take hold of confined people. Nevertheless, a major difference separates the epidemics studied from the current coronavirus pandemic: the development ofInternet. Undeniably, Netflix, Youtube and the social media help fight boredom and loneliness during this time of confinement.

How to lessen the harmful effects of a quarantine?

Several particular stressors have been highlighted by English researchers. First, the length of the quarantine. Beyond ten days, the psychological effects would be multiplied. They would also be affected in the event of a lack of basic supplies, such as food, water, medicine, and obviously the toilet paper.

One of the sources of stress is inadequate crisis communication. To reduce the negative effects, the authors of the meta-analysis suggest that the authorities communicate regularly and transparency, to offer activities to those concerned to reduce boredom, and to ensure the supply of basic products. Containment should also be as short as possible, with a clear date.

Researchers insist that sense ofaltruism that every individual should feel while participating in saving lives. While particular attention must be paid to medical personnel.