The Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in April 2020 collated Mental Health in the times of COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidance for General Medical and Specialized Health Care Settings.
One of the foremost concerns emerging from the different aspects of COVID-19 is its impact on mental health. With Covid- 19 cases roaring and lockdown being imposed in most parts of the country, the issues revolving around mental health have become all the more important than ever. These issues stem from ‘normal’ people being exposed to ‘extraordinary situations’.
Responding to such a situation, NIMHANS has set up a task force in Mental Health on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; set up a helpline; established a continuum of care service for patients with psychiatric, neurological and neurosurgical problems and strengthened telemedicine facilities to provide tele consultation to patients. The Department of Psychiatry has collectively developed guidelines for effective mental health management in general medical and specialized mental health care settings.
This publication comprehensively covers mental health concerns of the general public, as well as those with psychiatric illness. Beyond mental health care, it also addresses safety issues of psychiatrists and other mental health care providers.
