The role and opportunities of psychotherapy in the process of overcoming the social and psychological consequences of the epidemic of new coronaviral infection

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the consequences of the impact of the situation associated with the coronavirus epidemic on the mental state of people (especially those suffering from certain mental illnesses), as well as the issues of providing psychological and psychotherapeutic assistance in the context of the coronavirus infection epidemic on the example of the Novgorod Clinical Specialized Psychiatric Center (NKSCP). Based on the analysis of psychotherapeutic assistance to 1300 patients who were admitted to the psychotherapeutic department of the NSCCP in the period from 01.01.2021 to 22.11.2021, specific measures for organizing and providing psychological and psychotherapeutic support of patients are described. The article discusses the experience of the practical work of a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, psychologist with patients in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic in the NSCCP. In particular, we are talking about overcoming the consequences of self-isolation and other restrictions that negatively affect the full-fledged sociopsychological functioning of a person. The role of remote forms of work with patients, such as audio and video consultations, is emphasized. The article contributes to the study of the problem of the socio-psychological consequences of the epidemic and the organization of the system of psychotherapeutic assistance to different segments of the population in the context of the epidemic. The described methods of providing psychological assistance can be useful for practical application in the framework of overcoming the negative consequences of the epidemic.