COVID-19 Lock-Down Affecting Mental Health in Thailand; Review and Situation

Abstract

Major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are among the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses in Thailand; both are associated with a high societal and economic burden. Treatment for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder consists of pharmacological and psychological interventions. Three commonly used psychological interventions are cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and supportive therapy. The Unprecedented crisis produced by the COVID-19 pandemic produced a mental health situation with a severe impact on both seniors and adolescents. An analysis of the impact on COVID-19 on mental health in Thailand was conducted by an investigation of data from the Roi-et public health office in Roi Et province. The data showed that in the years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 there were respectively 1.18, 1.36, 1.51, 1.96 and 1.93 of residents with depression. Among senior citizens in the province depression was more frequent with 2.99, 3.41, 3.60, 3.99 and 5.25 of seniors diagnosed as depressed in the years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. In the era of the COVID-19 outbreak there was a higher prevalence of psychological health problems among seniors and adolescents. The crucial outcome from spatial analysis using GIS showed the highest number of mental health problems in Kaset Wisai district and the lowest prevalence in Thung Kao Lunang district. These findings suggest that the government needs to pay more attention to psychological health among elderly people while combating COVID-19.