Fatima Muhammad

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — The absence of accurate data about coronavirus has resulted in increased spread of rumors, which in turn has caused a number of psychological issues among people, stated a consultant psychiatric at a psychiatry conference here.



“The absence of information has led to health staff to get infected as they were not briefed about the accurate condition at their work place to take precautions. But in addition it has also triggered in some people fear and anxiety with some even believing, falsely, about exhibiting symptoms of the virus,” explained Dr. Mohamed Shawoosh consultant of psychiatrist and the head of the organizing committee of the 10th International Conference on Psychiatry here on Thursday.



This new mental concern about coronavirus is not being looked at carefully and is not been given due attention by health officials, who are only caring about the actual disease, said Shawoosh. “Specialists are looking only at the current problems and are not paying attention to the presence of the psychiatric problems, which normally last longer than the disease or catastrophe itself,” Shawoosh told reporters.



The creation of specialized psychiatry research centers is crucial yet it faces a number of challenges said Shawoosh while answering a Saudi Gazette question about absence of research centers in their field that provides accurate data about psychic illnesses, reaction to medications and patients behaviors.



He added that the main challenges that prevent these centers from seeing the light is because researchers find difficulty in getting information as well as the absence of set budgets for research. “If such a research center is launched we would want its work to be done scientifically, objectively and independently,” elaborated Shawoosh.



Mona Al-Sawaf, a speaker at the conference and the head of the department of psychiatry at King Fahd Hospital in Jeddah, told Saudi Gazette on the sidelines of the event that there is a need to create a center in the Arab region to specifically address different clinical cases and to address metabolism issues in relation to psychiatry. The acceptance levels of medicine varies between one patient and another based on ethnic backgrounds, therefore such a center is important.



Creating research and test centers in the region is vital as a trip for one patient to Western countries, where these tests are available, cost $70,000.



“We address the importance of taking care of psychic health noting that in 2020 depression cases will be second on the list of non-infectious chronic diseases,” noted Al-Sawaf.



The spending on depression alone will be three times the total spending on other health problems. “The loss is not only in the health aspect but it also stretches to affect the economy of countries since depressed people are not productive and tend to negatively affect their surrounding environment,” said Al-Sawaf.



The three-day 10th International Conference on Psychiatry kicked off in Jeddah on Thursday. Muhammad Khaled the secretary-general of the conference & the head of the psychiatry department at Saudi German Hospital stated that speakers from around the world including speakers from, USA, European countries, Malaysia, Pakistan, Arab countries and GCC states will be addressing the gathering. Different workshops will address marriage consultations, anxiety disorders, child psychiatric issues, and drug addiction treatments.