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Background: The outbreak of the COVID-19 disease and the rapid spread of the inducing coronavirus SARS-CoV‑2 threatens not only people's physical health but also their mental health. Its influence on incidence and course of existing illnesses in the psychiatric outpatient sector in Germany is still unknown. Methods: The medical reports of 682 persons in psychiatric treatment were retrospectively investigated, regarding their subjective response to this pandemic and its clinical relevance. Results: Of the patients 60.5% (n = 378) experienced greater psychological stress, 14.5% (n = 99) reported fear of the SARS-CoV‑2 and the possible danger of infection, 25.5% (n = 174) reported fear resulting from the protective measures taken (lock down) and 4.3% (n = 29) reported fear of both. This differed significantly across diagnoses: people with anxiety disorders reported significantly greater stress as well as greater fear of the virus, whereas people with psychoses were significantly less affected than the other patients. Of the participants 43.7% (n = 132) were so strongly affected that acute treatment had to be implemented and 6.0% (n = 18) had to be referred to inpatient care. Discussion: People with mental illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the psychological strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Long-term studies on the further course of disease will be necessary. Additional studies that test interventions to build resilience in this population will also be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the current COVID-19 pandemia, health workers from all professions are facing great challenges in coping with the crisis. In this situation health professionals are confronted with specific stressors and risks not only for the physical but also for the mental health. Objective: This article summarizes the first recommendations for the reduction of stress and psychological burden in health professionals during the current COVID-19 pandemia. Methods: The recommendations of the World Health Organization, the United Nations and the International Red Cross Society are summarized. Recommendations for the reduction of stress and psychological distress in health professionals as well as important factors that team leaders can consider in order to reduce psychological distress in employees are presented. Results: The normalization of strong emotions and stress, the fulfillment of basic needs, social support, clear communication and distribution of tasks, flexible working hours and the utilization of psychosocial and psychological help without stigmatization seem to be particularly important measures. Conclusion: This article presents guidelines for health professionals and team leaders in healthcare that help to maintain mental health during the COVID-19 pandemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is increasing consideration of a family-focused perspective of the psychosocial consequences of cancer. Objectives: This study examined the psychosocial situation of children and adolescents (11 to17 years old) of cancer patients assessing their psychological distress and coping over time. Methods: A total of 110 children and adolescents were assessed post-treatment of parents with cancer (t1), 6 (t2) and 12 months (t3) after t1. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing coping (KidCope) and depressive symptoms (CES). These data were compared with a matched sample from the general population. Results: The children reported using a combination of coping measures. In particular, active coping was perceived as being helpful. In terms of coping, there were only small gender differences and 6 months after completion of treatment of the parents (t2), depressive symptoms of the children were still elevated. Depression diminished over time and was near the level of the comparison group at t3. Conclusion: Children and adolescents are particularly psychologically distressed after cancer treatment of parents. This distress was connected with not helpful coping strategies. The extended adjustment of children/adolescents of cancer patients has to be considered in the clinical and psychosocial care of the families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]