Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

February 13, 2020

Public responses to the novel 2019 coronavirus (2019‐nCoV) in Japan: mental health consequences and target populations

Category:

Topic:

  • In Japan, economic and social impacts have been reported related to COVID-2019, including increased public anxiety, and some social stigmatization.  The authors believe that COVID-2019 adds to previous traumatic events in Japan involving frightening unseen agents.  These include the Sarin attack, pandemic H1N1, and radiation release from the Fukushima event.  
  • It is anticipated that public health concerns will continue to increase, as the COVID-2019 outbreak continues.  The population may exhibit increased stress responses, risky social behaviors such as increased smoking and consumption of alcohol, social isolation, and concerns about health.   All of these concerns may be exacerbated by rumors and sensational media reports. In some parts of the population there may be increases in mental health disorders such as depression and PTSD.
  • The authors encourage preparation and mental health support for impacted individuals, their families, healthcare workers and vulnerable populations such as Chinese individuals and their families.  

Shigemura et al. (Feb 8, 2020). Public responses to the novel 2019 coronavirus (2019‐nCoV) in Japan: mental health consequences and target populations. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.12988