O impacto da pandemia de Covid-19 nas internações por transtornos psiquiátricos na região de saúde de Lagarto, estado de Sergipe: Um estudo observacional

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the lives of people around the world, contributing to the development of psychological suffering. Research indicates that social isolation resulted in significant effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, fear of infection, and grief, with impacts comparable to those of sudden losses or catastrophic events. Objective: To analyze the notifications of hospitalizations for psychiatric disorders before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the health region of Lagarto. Methodology:Quantitative epidemiological study, of the observational and ecological type, based on data from the SUS Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS). The analysis included hospitalizations for mental and behavioral disorders (ICD-10) categorized by variables such as age, sex, and municipality of residence. Results: A reduction in hospitalizations was observed during the pandemic period, with variations between different municipalities and types of disorders. There was a prevalence of hospitalizations related to schizophrenia and schizotypal disorders, while substance use disorders showed an increasing trend towards the end of the studied period. The data also indicated an underutilization of mental health services in some areas, possibly due to the reorganization of the healthcare system and the population's fear of seeking care. Conclusion: There is a need to strengthen the psychosocial care network (RAPS) and implement public policies that ensure adequate access to mental health care, especially during periods of health crises.