Many thanks to Paul Hill, MD, for discussing the psychiatric repercussions of COVID-19 on “The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner.” Dr. Hill works at the same hospital as I do in Memphis, TN, and we are both faculty of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).*
Dr. Hill explained that COVID-19 might have deleterious effects on people with chronic psychiatric disorders by limiting their access to care and community. For example, people with substance abuse disorders may not be able to access methadone or suboxone clinics, leading to relapses of their addictions. People with psychiatric disorders may also have difficulty complying with mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand-washing, which predisposes them to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
We also explored the mental health effects of COVID-19 on health care workers. Because of the long duration of the pandemic, even resilient medical professionals may become discouraged and demoralized. Dr. Hill emphasized that self-care is particularly important during these difficult times. Adequate sleep, exercise, a regular schedule, healthful eating, and support from colleagues, family, and friends can help maintain physical and psychological health.
Many thanks to Dr. Hill for sharing his many years of psychiatric expertise on “The Art of Medicine with Dr. Andrew Wilner.” Please join us for this 20-minute fascinating interview.
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*Our expressed opinions do not necessarily represent those of UTHSC.
