Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health services in Argentina

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the organization and functioning of the health system as a whole; however, it has been less described the situation of Mental Health Services (MHS) during the pandemic. It is hypothesized that in addition to responding to the regular demands, MHS will have to respond to the needs of the population emotionally affected by the pandemic. The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of MHS in Argentina. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional observational study. From May 8th to June 30th 2020, 76 mental health workers from five jurisdictions were interviewed. Changes in demand, in the care process and in the structure of services were explored. The data analysis was mixed. RESULTS: There was a decrease in the availability of mental health services during the period studied. The demand changed and patients accessing services were more acute or critical. Mental health care was recentered in neuropsychiatric hospitals. The therapeutic options were impoverished, with special affectation of group interventions. DISCUSSION: The situation of MHS shows the collateral impact of COVID-19 on the population’s access to care for health needs not directly or mainly related to the COVID-19 infection.