February 14, 2020

SARS control and psychological effects of quarantine, Toronto, Canada

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Mental Health and Personal Impact

• A survey was administered to 129 people (including health care workers) who were quarantined in Toronto during the SARS outbreak. Psychological distress, such as feelings of anxiety and isolation, PTSD, and depressive symptoms were common, although no formal diagnosis was made in this study.  PTSD symptoms were associated with longer quarantine duration, lower income, and knowing someone who was infected with SARS. 
• The authors suggest that a lack of knowledge, inadequate reinforcement by an overwhelmed public health system, and incomplete understanding of the rationale for quarantine may contribute to mental health distress among quarantine persons. Around 50% of respondents felt they had not received sufficient information about at least one aspect of their quarantine instructions.  

Hawyrluck et al. (2004). SARS control and psychological effects of quarantine, Toronto, Canada. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 10(7).