COVID Stress Syndrome: Clinical and Nosological Considerations
TAGS: pandemics, covid-19 ·Authored By: Steven Taylor
The purpose of this paper was to explore current research evidence for COVID Stress Syndrome (CSS). CSS is characterized by fear of becoming infected with COVID-19, concern over the financial impacts of the pandemic, fear of individuals who come from away from the belief that they are carriers of COVID-19, pandemic related compulsive checking, and the need for extra reassurance. In contrast, COVID Stress Disorder is a more severe form of CSS where an individual copes with high amounts of distress and experiences impairment in daily functioning. Research during the pandemic has also proposed a third potential disorder referred to as pandemic-related adjustment disorder; however, additional research is required as these syndromes and disorders are relatively new. Diagnosis with COVID Stress Syndrome is only possible after all other possible disorders associated with the symptoms have been considered. For example, it is reasonable that individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder may present with symptoms similar to COVID Stress Syndrome. The findings of this review led to the recommendation for future research to investigate the long-term presence of COVID stress syndrome in the more significant population to increase awareness and potential for treatment during the current pandemic and future pandemics.
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