Delirium is characterized by fluctuating disturbance of consciousness, inattention, reduced awareness, hallucinations or delusions, occurring in 20% of hospital admissions. Central nervous system symptoms are the main form of neurologic injury in patients with COVID-19 and a significant portion of these patients presents with delirium. COVID-19 infection’s course and symptoms, as well as patient comorbidities can facilitate its onset, which is exacerbated by the frequent need for higher doses of sedation to suppress severe cough.

To summarize the most recent practices for management of delirium in COVID-19 infected patients, with emphasis on the psychopharmacology approach.

Selective literature review via PubMed search, using the terms “delirium, neurological disorders, psychopharmacology and COVID-19”.

COVID-19 associated delirium can be presented in its hyperactive type with exuberant agitation, but also with additional clinical features such as rigidity, akinetic mutism, abulia and alogia. Psychopharmacological approaches may be needed for patients with agitation when there’s intractable stress or risk to self or others. In this group of patients, melatonin, alfa-2 agonists and low potency antipsychotics have been used as first line treatment. Trazodone, valproate, dopamine agonists, amantadine can be used. Other approaches such as correction of vitamin deficiencies and remdesivir can also play a role.

Delirium remains frequently unrecognized. In the pandemic context of COVID-19 it is important to consider this infection as a cause of delirium and mind the misdiagnosis as a psychiatric condition. One should look for atypical features and be more thoughtful about the psychopharmacological approach.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in how healthcare was accessed and delivered. It was suggested that COVID-19 will lead to an increased delirium burden in its acute phase, with variable effect on mental health in the longer term. Despite this, there are limited data on the direct effects of the pandemic on psychiatric care.

1) describe the mental health presentations of a diverse acute inpatient population, 2) compare findings with the same period in 2019, 3) characterise the SARS-CoV-2 positive cohort of patients.

We present a descriptive summary of the referrals to a UK psychiatric liaison department during the exponential phase of the pandemic, and compare this to the same period in 2019.

show a 40.3% reduction in the number of referrals in 2020, with an increase in the proportion of referrals for delirium and psychosis. One third (28%) of referred patients tested positive for COVID-19 during their admission, with 39.7% of these presenting with delirium as a consequence of their COVID-19 illness. Our data indicate decreased clinical activity for our service during the pandemic’s peak. There was a marked increase in delirium, though in no other psychiatric presentations.

In preparation for further exponential rises in COVID-19 cases, we would expect seamless integration of liaison psychiatry teams in general hospital wards to optimise delirium management in patients with COVID-19. Further consideration should be given to adequate staffing of community and crisis mental health teams to safely manage the potentially increasing number of people reluctant to visit the emergency department.

Converging evidence substantiates a negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of frontline workers. Nonetheless, there is paucity of research on paramedics.

To estimate the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression in frontline paramedics in the Athens region, Greece, and to investigate the coping skills that are associated with less favourable mental health outcomes

A total of 100 ambulance paramedics participated in the study. The online questionnaire encompassed the DASS-21 for assessing mental health outcomes and the Brief-COPE for measuring coping skills. Information about socio-demographic characteristics and personal/relatives’ vulnerability to COVID-19 was also gleaned.

The prevalence for moderate to severe cases was found to be 7.2% for stress, 9.4% for anxiety and 11.3% for depression. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that men demonstrated significantly higher stress [B = -2.28, 95%CI = -3.88 - -0.68] and depression compared to women [B = -1.69, 95%CI = -3.19 - -0.19]. Similarly, the use of denial was found to be associated with higher stress [B = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.11 -1.37] and anxiety [B= 0.55, 95%CI = 0.13 – 0.98]. Moreover, emotional support was linked to heightened anxiety [B= 0.71, 95%CI = 0.36 – 1.06] and self-distraction to depression [B = 0.60, 95%CI = 0.16 – 1.04]. Personal or relatives’ vulnerability to COVID-19 did not impinge on mental health outcomes.

Healthcare initiatives should be tailored at the mental health needs of frontline paramedics, especially men. Psychosocial interventions should target maladaptive coping, especially the use of denial.

Children with mental health issues are heavily dependent upon the attitude of their caregivers towards disease control and prevention. There is also a high risk of COVID-19 outbreaks in the mental health clinics (hospitals) for children.

Children with mental health issues are heavily dependent upon the attitude of their caregivers towards disease control and prevention. There is also a high risk of COVID-19 outbreaks in the mental health clinics (hospitals) for children.

The data from the Municipal Department of Health and Medical records of patients who were treated at the clinic from January to June in 2019 were compared. Statistical processing was carried out using the Chi-Square for 2 x 2 Contingency Table method.

The study demonstrated the statistically significant difference in the types of mental health conditions that require more attention and in-patient emergency treatment options during the pandemic, including decompensation, exacerbation or manifestation of endogenous diseases, anorexia nervosa and suicidal manifestations. To prevent the spread of infection, a specific separate clinical unit was created for patients with severe mental health disorders and symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, multiple changes were implemented in treatment protocols, staff duties and interactions with the patients’ caregivers.

There was a higher demand for in-patient emergency treatment for children with severe mental health disorders in 2020, as compared to 2019. Timely introduced anti-epidemic measures made it possible to avoid outbreaks of COVID-19 in the children’s psychiatric hospital.

Dissociative experiences have been studied in different circumstances.

In this study we aim to analyze dissociative phenomena under a stress factor: lockdown.

We conducted a cross sectional-study, using an online survey, spread during lockdown period in Tunisia, between the 2nd and the 8th of April. It was comprised of sociodemographic, geographic, medical history, confinement status and DES-II questionnaire in its french version. Age superior than 18 was the only inclusion criteria and the no respect of lockdown was the exclusion criteria. Based on former studies on DES-II, 3 sub scores have been assessed; amnesia (measures memory loss), depersonalization (sense of unreality of the self) and absorption (the absorption has to do with one’s traumatic experiences).

We recruited 167 individuals; 100 women and 67 men. The most common age class was 20 to 30 years old (60.5% of the sample). The Mean total score was 11.06 which was higher than mentioned in earlier studies. The mean score was 15,11 for absorption; 5,28 for amnesia and 6,88 for depersonalization subscale. Significant differences in scores were found based on different variables. Women had higher absorption score (p=0.011). Besides people living in COVID-19 clusters had lower total score (p=0.038). Finally, people with somatic medical history showed higher total score (p=0.013), absorption score (p=0.003) and depersonalization score (p=0.012) compared to those with none.

During lockdown, dissociative experiences showed to be more frequent. But does this mean that a resurgence in PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) or ASD (acute stress disorder) in the months to come.

The 2019 Coronavirus disease epidemic is a public health emergency of international concern and poses a challenge to psychological resilience.

To study the psychological repercussions in terms of anxiety and depression of the Coronavirus pandemic on the Tunisian population.

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. We used an online questionnaire on Facebook, on June 2020. The heteroquestionnaire included epidemiological data and two scales: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Form Y-1) to evaluate the anxiety level at the time of the study, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ 9) to detect a characterized depressive episode.

We included 121 participants. They had an average age of 36.52 years with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.41. The mean STAI score was 43.12 while the PHQ score was 7.46, indicating that 30.8% of the participants suffered from depression. Both scores were correlated to female sex (p=0.01 for STAI and p=0.02 for PHQ), a history of anxiety (p<0.001) and depressive disorders (p<0.001) and to poor sleep quality (p<0.001). The STAI score was also associated with a family history of high blood pressure (p=0.004), while the PHQ score was correlated to a family history of diabetes (p=0.02), a widowed or divorced marital status (p<0.001) and to a single lifestyle (p=0.03). Furthermore, the two scores (STAI-Y and PHQ 9) were also associated (p<0.001; r=0.67).

The psychological impact of Coronavirus epidemic seems not negligible requiring psychological interventions to improve the mental health of vulnerable groups.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a steep rise in the acceptance of telemedicine and digital health, including increased interest in pursuing mental health treatment through telepsychiatry. Digital health helps following social distancing measures and increases the health outcomes.

To see the role of digital health in improving physical and mental well-being during COVID-19 Pandemic

This study is a part of a large global project where 240 people inquired advice on phone app during COVID-19-Pandemic. Later on, a short study was conducted on the same population through survey to evaluate the effectiveness of digital health/tele-mental health. We also searched PubMed, Google Scholar, PsychInfo, and Medline for words “Digital Health, Tele-mental health, COVID-19-Pandemic”. Reviewed 40 articles and included 3 in this review1,4,5.

We received a total of 98 responses. 65.6% people reported that online health resources are helpful in relieving pandemic-induced anxiety/stress, 66.2% reported to continue online health services after pandemic, 37.7% noted that digital health saves times in waiting areas, 46% reported lack of physical interaction with doctor as a disadvantage of digital health, and 40.3% reported comfort in using tele-mental health. Our literature review has shown barriers like privacy concerns and technological issues1. Provision of tele-psychiatry is safe and effective in continuity of mental health care.4,5

There has been an increased inclination towards digital health during any disaster. During COVID-19-Pandemic, digital health has increased access to mental health care and reduced risk of infection. The drawbacks include poor patient-doctor relationship, reimbursement concerns, and lack of confidentiality.

A majority of the Finnish COVID-19 pandemic patients have been cared for in the HUS Helsinki University Hospital since March 2020.

June 2020 baseline results of an ongoing prospective cohort study are reported.

An electronic survey was created to assess potentially traumatic COVID-19 pandemic related events (PTEs) of the HUS personnel.

The survey was sent to 25494 HUS employees, and 4804 (19%) answered. Out of the respondents, 62% were nursing staff, 9% medical doctors, and the rest special employees or other personnel. Mean age was 44 years, 88% were female. PTEs were more common in the personnel directly caring for COVID-19 patients than other personnel (p< 0.001). PTEs predicted psychological distress among all personnel (OR 5.05; 95%CI 4.26–6.00). Table. Potentially traumatic events (PTEs) among HUS personnel, June 2020. One respondent may have one or more PTEs.

1Has your work with COVID-19 patients or suspected patients included exceptionally disturbing or distressing assignments? 2Have you had strong anxiety due to your own or close one’s risk of contracting serious illness for your work with COVID-19 patients or suspected patients? 3Have you or your close one contracted a hospital care requiring serious COVID-19? 4Has a close one to you died of COVID-19?

Our data highlight the need to ensure psychosocial support services to HUS personnel with PTEs.

No significant relationships.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a great impact on health care workers (HCWs) who are exposed to high levels of stress and trauma leading to negative mental health outcomes, including stress-related symptoms and depressive symptoms.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety and post traumatic stress symptoms related to to the COVID 19 pandemic in Cyprus.

In this cross-sectional study, we report on mental health outcomes among HCWs in Cyprus. Data were collected between May 3rd and May 27th, 2020, using an online questionnaire that included demographics, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), assessing depressive symptoms, the Impact of Events Scale Revised (IES-R) measuring PTSD symptoms and the 10 item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) measuring stress.

424 Health Care Workers (HCWs) participated in the study. 79 HCWs (18,6%) scored in PHQ-9 above the cut-off for depression while 62 HCWs (14,6%) scored high enough in IES-R indicating a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. The prevalence of depression and PTSD symptoms were significantly higher among nurses compared to doctors and other HCWs. (20.7% versus 10.8%; adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.06 to 2.73]), after adjustment for age and sex.

Even in countries like Cyprus with minimum impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on the mental health of HCWs is substantial with nurses being more vulnerable.

The prevalence of depression differs between groups, such as race, gender, and age group. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is one of the leading causes of death in the age group of 15-29 years-old. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some countries, including Indonesia, ordered a nationwide physical distancing and limited public activities. Indonesia also restricts the public mobilities, leaving the college students, studying in different regions, isolated and confined to their flats, boarding houses, and apartments.

To find out the prevalence of Depression in College Students, living alone, in Pandemic 2020.

College students aged 18 to 28 years old, were assessed using Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-II), through Google Form, and shared using social media. We also grouped the participants to age, gender, religion, and types of housing, and did the multivariate analysis using median comparison and multinomial logistic regression.

A total of 84 college students, who are living alone during the Pandemic 2020, participated in this study. We found that 33.3% of the population suffered from depression. The median score for the group of females, prefer not to say their religion, and living in the owned house have a higher median. While multinomial logistic regression study does not have any significant odd risks in the variables.

The results indicate that in time of nationwide physical distancing and limited public activities due to COVID-19 Pandemic, the prevalence of depression among college students living alone in Pandemic 2020 is 33%. One-fourth of them are with severe depression.

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global health crisis that originated in China. As an adjacent city to the origin of COVID-19, Hong Kong has been facing different public health challenges raised by the epidemic.

This paper examined the prevalence of common physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, somatic symptoms, and health anxiety among the Hong Kong youth population.

HKYES is an on-going territory-wide epidemiological study collecting youth mental health data with randomly stratified sampling. Participants aged 15-24 years were to complete a physical symptom checklist, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI).

A total of 594 participants have completed the survey since April 2020. The three most common physical symptoms were headache (n=106, 17.8%), fever (n=94, 15.8%) and fatigue (n=78, 13.1%). The mean scores of DASS depression, anxiety and stress subscales were 7.98 (SD 8.14), 5.81 (SD 6.32), and 8.83 (SD 7.93) respectively. Among all, 135 (22.8%) participants reported moderate to severe levels of depressive symptoms, 133 (22.4%) reported moderate to severe levels of anxiety symptoms, and 71 (12%) reported moderate to severe levels of stress. There were 40 (6.7%) and 60 (10.1%) participants showing significant levels of insomnia and somatic symptoms, while around one-third of the participants reported a high level of health anxiety.

Youth is at risk of severe psychological impact during the coronavirus. Monitoring the mental health trajectory for youth should become routine practice during times of crisis.

Ippokrateio Therapeutirio in the city of Larissa, Thessaly, Greece is a private for-profit psychogeriatric hospital focusing on Long Term Care on patients with dementia. During the COVID-19 era lockdown visits by carers/relatives/friends were forbidden due to the preventive government measures. At that same time appearance and/or exaggeration of neuropsychiatric symptoms was observed. In order to restore communication issues we performed telecommunication sessions (videocalls) and measured, among other factors, neuropsychiatric symptoms before and after sessions.

Primary objective was to check for relations between video-calls and changes in neuropsychiatric symptoms using NeuroPsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Secondary objective was to check for carers and patients satisfaction, mainly through qualitative information.

120 patients with diagnosis of minor or major neuroconitive disorder of any type participated in the video call sessions. Two video calls per patient took place (1 per week) with a 10-inches tablet. Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) was performed before the start of the video-calls. NPI had been performed again the week after both sessions were completed. Satisfaction of carers and patients was recorded, mostly as qualitative data.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms improved in patients with mild or moderate neurocognitive decline. In more severe cases though anxiety, irritability and sleep problems worsened. Satisfaction reached almost 95% of the carers.

Video calls could be a very good way to surpass the communication burden during the pandemic restrictions for LTC dementia patients. Caution should be given to severely demented patients since clinical observations show that a cluster of symptoms worsens.

Pandemic outbreak brings multiple challenges into everyday life, with high potential to affect all aspects of health. It was previously demonstrated that epidemic is harmful to mental health (MH) of a whole population producing long-lasting and significant burden for the person and the society. However, such an impact was less investigated in COVID-19 pandemic.

Investigate aspects of MH among healthy population during Spring 2020 lockdown due to COVID-19; detect factors affecting MH and their cumulative effect on health-related quality of life (QOL).

571 healthy volunteers completed electronic survey distributed through social networks. The survey contained standard tools for evaluation of (1) levels of stress, anxiety and depression, (2) objective and subjective parameters of participation in daily-life activities, (3) daily routines, (5) loneliness, (6) social connectedness, (7) self-efficacy and (8) quality of life.

We found high levels of stress, anxiety and depression among healthy population and low QOL in physical, psychological and social relationship domains. Employment, keeping daily routines, social connectedness, self-efficacy, enjoyment, satisfaction and meaning in daily-life activities were associated with better MH. All the aforementioned factors contributed significantly to QOL.

COVID-19 outbreak rise multiple health issues, among them affected MH of the healthy, not infected population. Public health strategies should be implemented to mitigate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MH given its personal and social burden and its contribution to QOL. Addressing participation in daily life activities can be a useful tool to cope with impact of COVID-19 on MH.

Since COVID19 pandemic emergence, containment measure have been taken by the Tunisian government imposing a new lifestyle resulting in psychological repercussions and a change in behavior.

Highlighting changes of behavior and lifestyle of the general public secondary to the COVID19 pandemic and to confinement and to assess their levels of psychological.

This is a qualitative, descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study realized between April and May 2020 with the general public using an anonymous online questionnaire covering: socio-demographic data; behavior during confinement; epidemic psychological impact; Mental health status was measured using Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale(DASS-21). Anger level was assessed by STAXI-10 items.

132 responses were received: 68.2% were women; the average age 32.01(±11.10); half were single; 77.3% were at higher education level; 41.7% were healthcare professionnels. Consumption increased by 26.5% in coffee, 8.3% tobacco and 1.5% alcohol. 33.3% of participants increased their religious practice. 56.1% experienced sleep disorder mostly women(p<0.05). 91.7% followed COVID19 evolution through media essentially Facebook. Partners relationship was deteriorated in1.7% and improved in 25%. Child abuse increased by 13.7%. During confinement: 15.9%depression (0.8%severe depression), 12.9%anxiety (0.8%severe anxiety), 5.3% stress and 27.3%feelings of anger. Depression, anxiety and anger were related to younger age(p<0.05). Stress wasn’t age related. Depression was observed in participants without children (p<0.05). No association founded between psychological impact and gender, profession and civil status.

The COVID19 pandemic and the containment had consequences on individuals behavior and mental health. A psychological listening unit was launched during the period of confinement to overcome psychological impact.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant lifestyle changes for the world’s population. The infection poses a threat to mental health due to direct invasion of the central nervous system of SARS-CoV-2, as well as as a source of mental stress associated, in particular, with the deformation of the structure of interpersonal communications under quarantine conditions.

The study was conducted to comparatively study the phenomenology and severity of psychopathological manifestations in quarantined and non-quarantined people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From April 18 to June 15, 2020, an online questionnaire “Symptom List 90” (SCL-90) was conducted among 837 adults in Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and other countries. 426 respondents were in strict home quarantine; 302 observed social distancing, but could go to work; 109 were not socially isolated.

There was a significant difference in the overall severity index (GSI) between strictly quarantine and non-quarantine groups with GSI values of 0.51 (0.24; 0.99) and 0.33 (0.16; 0.75), respectively (p = 0.001). Indicators of anxiety, depression, somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, phobic anxiety, hostility and psychoticism were also significantly higher in quarantined individuals than in non-quarantined individuals (p <0.05).

The results of the analysis indicate that in a pandemic, the most susceptible to psychopathological disorders are those living in the most severe quarantine, while the contingent whose lifestyle changes little under these conditions shows the best indicators of mental health. These data indicate the need to optimize the system of psychiatric preventive and curative care for the population in a pandemic.

No significant relationships.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is affecting numerous dimensions of our society since the beginning of the outbreak. A significant increase in emotional distress was expected in the general population, particularly among the high-risk groups such as the oldest, chronic patients, healthcare professionals, and psychopathology vulnerable people. There was an urgent need to adapt and create solutions to promote mental health. Given the recommendations to minimize face-to-face interactions, several helplines were widely developed.

In this work, we aim to reflect on the experience of a university helpline, that integrated efforts with the regional mental health care services.

A University helpline was created to give support to the regional community outside academia. The team was created on an online teamwork platform, to communicate through the chat, carry videoconference meetings, and store useful files. A Manchester screening decision tree was adopted, to define a set of guidelines to provide support to the callers, based mainly on the guidelines defined by the Order of Portuguese Psychologists. Liaison with the mental health care services, including other specific helplines, was established.

Notwithstanding all the efforts, the number of received calls was scarce, similarly to helplines created by other national universities and by other entities.

A new approach to psychological intervention in crisis is needed, maintaining integrated efforts, and taking advantage of the opportunity to foster personalized mental health care in the digital era. It is important to continuously assess the value of integrated efforts in patient care and to the healthcare system.

Preliminary results indicate that COVID-19 lockdown measures could lead to an increase in eating disorder pathology. However, some patients could be more vulnerable to experience such an increase than others. The reason why some patients are more susceptible to the impact of lockdown measures is still not known.

To analyze the impact of the Belgian COVID-19 lockdown measures on the surroundings, social context, negative affect (NA), positive affect (PA) and binge eating frequency of patients with bulimia nervosa (BN).

The data of 15 female patients with BN from an ongoing experience sampling method study were analyzed. Mixed effects models compared surroundings, social context, NA, PA and binge eating before and after the implementation of the lockdown measures.

After the implementation of the lockdown measures, significant changes in surroundings and social context were found as well as an increase in NA (p < 0.001) and decrease in PA (p = 0.015). Patients who experienced an increase in binge eating frequency also experienced a stronger increase in NA (p = 0.012) and decrease in PA (p = 0.026) after the lockdown measures were implemented.

Future research should also look at changes in surroundings, social context, affect and how these interact with factors such as personality traits and coping styles when investigating why some patients are more susceptible to the negative effects of lockdown measures than others.

Assessment of mental health in medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic helps to prevent the delayed negative consequences of work under high risk.

The study compares the perceived stress and coping ability in medical staff caring for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and in professionals, working with other patients.

Online survey involved 249 doctors and medical staff of a Moscow hospital aged 19 to 60 (80 men and 169 women). 135 people worked directly with COVID-19 patients and 114 specialists did not. The study was conducted with the Perceived Stress Scale (10-items) amidst the first wave of COVID-19 in Russia, in May 2020.

No significant differences were found in the stress levels between the two groups of healthcare providers. On average, the sample revealed an increased level of stress (15.4 with standard values of 12-13). The general indicator of perceived stress (F = 13.471; p <0.001), stress level (F = 12.333; p = 0.001) and stress resistance (F = 6.003; p = 0.015) in women is significantly higher than in men. In addition, women working with COVID-19 patients have a higher level of stress resistance than women working with other patients (F = 3.432; p = 0.045).

The perception of stress by healthcare staff during the COVID-19 pandemic increases independently on whether or not they work with infected patients. Although stress is higher in women, they are better at coping, especially in extreme situations. The reported study was funded by RFBR, project number 20-04-60174.

Numerous publications highlight the need to modify mental health services in the stressful environment of the COVID-19 pandemic. The psychiatric service of the city of Moscow undertook some reforms in this regard.

The measures taken are aimed at reducing the risk of infection of mentally ill patients undergoing treatment in dispensaries and day hospitals, as well as at preventing the exacerbation of psychopathological disorders in patients under the prevailing conditions.

The frequency of visits to the dispensary by patients in stable condition has been reduced to 1 time per week. At the same time, the frequency of telephone consultations with patients and their relatives increased up to 3 times a week. Face-to-face psychotherapy sessions have been replaced by remote (online) sessions. During the study period, medical documents of 60 patients were studied. The number of hospitalizations of outpatients to the hospital was recorded due to the deterioration of the mental state, as well as in connection with the infection with COVID in the period from 04/15/2020 to 06/09/2020.

There were no hospitalizations due to mental deterioration. According to this indicator, the situation in 2020 turned out to be better than last year for the same period. There were also no cases of hospitalization of outpatients in connection with Covid-19.

The presented results indicate the effectiveness of organizational innovations introduced in Moscow in the provision of outpatient psychiatric care. However, these data need clarification and objective scientific interpretation.

No significant relationships.

Quarantine for suspected patients of being infected by the COVID-19 can lead to negative consequences for mental health and the appearance of depressive symptoms.

To assess the prevalence of depression in quarantined patients, and to analyze the associated factors.

This was a descriptive and analytical survey, carried out from April 4 to May 30, 2020, with 149 patients consulting the COVID-19 sorting box at the Hedi Chaker CHU in Sfax. Suspected COVID-19 patients were contacted by phone during their quarantine and invited to participate in our study. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale was used to assess the severity of depression. Cutoffs of 5, 10, 15, and 20 represent minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe levels of depression based on PHQ-9 scores. A cutoff score of 10 determines major depression.

The results showed a prevalence of major depression of 10.7%. Of all patients, 89.3% had minimal to mild depression; 10% had moderate to moderately severe depression and 0.7% had severe depression. The PHQ-9 score was statistically correlated with travel to a suspect area during the 14 days preceding the consultation (p = 0.008), contact with a subject confirmed COVID-19 (p = 0.01), previous follow-up in psychiatry (p = 0.047), the change of residence during quarantine (p = 0.045), the fear of transmitting the disease to relatives (p = 0.00) and the positive result of the nasopharyngeal swab (p = 0.00).

Psychological distress was felt in our patients. We recommend that necessary measures should be taken to combat depression.