The Effect of Coronavirus on Anxiety Disorders: Expert Interview with Dr. Brian Briscoe

Update on 11/16/2020: The coronavirus pandemic is an evolving situation. As a result, some of the data and statistics in this article may be outdated. Please refer to the CDC website for the most recent data and updates.

Since the first mention of the coronavirus hit major news outlets in late December 2019, we have been bombarded with headlines of the Coronavirus spreading around the world. Thousands of people have died from the virus, and even Italy is quarantining 16 million people in an attempt to stop the rapid spread of the virus.

Over the past few weeks, we have learned that the virus has spread into the U.S., infecting several hundred persons. The first few outbreaks affected those living in Washington State, New York, and Oregon.

Update: As of 3/13/2020, individuals across the country have confirmed cases of coronavirus. In an effort to “Flatten the Curve” and reduce the spread of the virus, major events are being cancelled. Even schools in Jefferson County are closing until April 6.

We talked to Dr. Brian Briscoe to gain a better understanding of how the Coronavirus is affecting the mental health of Americans across the nation.

Who Is at Risk of Developing Covid-19?

Dr. Briscoe: Sensationalist media have reported mortality rates (risk of death) of Coronavirus-19 as high as 3.4%. More recent reports have indicated that the rate is more likely less than 1%.[1]
The risk of death is extremely low in healthy individuals less than 65 years old and virtually non-existent in children. Nonetheless, the fear of losing our own life, or the life of a family member/loved one is something that every human being experiences.

When facing something as serious as a disease outbreak, it’s important to keep a level head and examine all of the facts. While a death rate of 3.4% may encourage fearful readers to click on articles, it’s not the most accurate way to assess the impact of the virus.

Here are the most recent stats, categorized by age:

• The highest risk is in people over 80 years of age where the fatality rate is 14.8% in China. The fatality rate for this age group is much lower in other countries.
• Individuals aged 40-49 have a mortality rate of 0.4%.
• Individuals aged 10-30 have a 0.2% fatality rate.
• The individuals with the lowest risk factors for contracting the virus are children, with a 0.9% risk of contracting the disease. As of this writing, there are no reports of children with severe symptoms or dying from the illness. [2] [3]

Note: People with chronic diseases or pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk of mortality.

I Noticed Many Events Are Being Cancelled. Why Is the General Public Panicked?

Dr. Briscoe: There is also the fear of an economic downturn. The DOW JONES Industrial Average closed Thursday, Feb 27 down nearly 1,200 points – its largest single-day drop in history. Many fear that a worldwide viral pandemic will trigger a recession. We may fear losing our hard-earned savings, our jobs, and/or our future plans for prosperity.

It is common for everyday persons to fear death and/or financial loss.

However, persons with anxiety disorders may experience a much higher intensity and frequency of anxiety than the average person.

What Should I Do If I’m Experiencing Increased Anxiety?

Dr. Briscoe: If you have an anxiety disorder, and consume information regarding Coronavirus-19 (via the news media, social media, etc.), you may experience some (but not necessarily all) of the below symptoms:

• An inability to stop thinking about the virus and associated fears around the virus. You might find yourself thinking: “I can’t stop thinking about it” or “I can’t turn my mind off.”
• Trouble sleeping
• Panic attacks characterized by an overwhelming sense of dread coupled with physical symptoms of anxiety such as difficulty catching your breath, feeling like your heart is racing, mild shaking, sweating, etc.

If you experience some of these symptoms, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. We can help.

If You Experience Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder, We Can Help

At NextStep 4 Mental Health, we’re happy to provide comprehensive psychiatric care. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health during this time due to fear or anxiety, we are here to help you — and you don’t have to make the trip into our office. You can visit us from the comfort of your home, office, or use your mobile device.

Call the location of your choice, or send us a message to request more information.

About Dr. Briscoe

Dr. Briscoe graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors from Centre College in Danville, KY. He attended medical school and specialty residency training in psychiatry with the University of Louisville. Dr. Briscoe has been involved in research, published a number of scholarly articles, and has presented for international conferences. He has served on the full-time teaching faculty for the University of Louisville Department of Psychiatry and continues to teach residents, medical students, and nurse practitioners through a gratis faculty appointment.

Dr. Briscoe has received numerous awards for research, service, and academic excellence. He is a recipient of the Nancy CA Roeske Excellence in Medical Student Education by the American Psychiatric Association.

He is Board Certified and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Briscoe was recently named one of Louisville’s “Top Doctors” by Louisville Magazine, an award that is granted by vote of 3,000 physician members of the Greater Louisville Medical Society.

References:

1. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/926089
2. https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/04/811688057/who-faces-the-greatest-risk-of-severe-illness-from-coronavirus
3. http://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/id/e53946e2-c6c4-41e9-9a9b-fea8db1a8f51