‘Urgent studies needed’ into mental health impact of coronavirus

Effects of lockdown and of Covid-19 itself could be deep and long-term, say researchers

Rapid and rigorous research into the impact of Covid-19 on mental health is needed to limit the impact of the pandemic, researchers have said.

Experts say newly conducted polls and emerging studies into Covid-19 together with lessons from past outbreaks suggest that the pandemic could have profound and potentially long-term impacts on mental health.

The team say it is now crucial to begin a thorough and coordinated programme of research to delve into the impact of the coronavirus itself, as well as policies like lockdown..

Prof Ed Bullmore, head of the department of psychiatry at the University of Cambridge and a co-author of the new report, said research conducted so far has been small-scale and fragmented.

“Our key message is that Covid is likely to have major impacts on mental health now and into the future and we need to start thinking about that immediately,” he said.

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