Honorary President

 
 
Psychological Rehabilitation during and after COVID Pandemic
 
During the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological intervention is an important part of rehabilitation in the post-acute phase of the illness to reduce distress symptoms and improve psychological health.While the majority (81%) of individuals who get COVID-19 have a mild illness, including fever, cough and dyspnoea, a significant minority face serious complications, particularly those who have comorbidities or who are older than 65 years. 
 
There is currently no treatment for COVID-19. The management provided in hospital settings is supportive and it is likely that there will be a large number of COVID-19 survivors who require significant rehabilitation support after their recovery. Common sequelae of critical illness are: Persistent changes in carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, intensive-care acquired weakness, critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy, cardiorespiratory deconditioning, impairment of cognitive function (delirium), and mental health impairment
 
Novel, fast-spreading outbreaks that result in high morbidity and/or mortality can lead to widespread fear and panic, stigmatization and social exclusion of people who are being treated for or recovering from the disease.
 
Caregivers may feel increasingly worried for their children being at home alone due to school closures or being placed in quarantine without appropriate care and support.
 
Messages for healthcare workers, for people in quarantine and isolation centres, for the community (including media), and for vulnerable populations & their caregivers for proper rehabilitation are required.
 
Women experience mental health hardships at a rate of almost 3:1 compared with men during the pandemic. 
 
Cottage syndrome is not a formal diagnosis but considered a syndrome resulting from social and home isolation or a sudden change in the style of life. The symptoms are fatigue, grief, sadness, depression, lack of concentration, irritability, sleep problems. It looks like agoraphobia, he or she can’t go to work or back to study. Rehabilitation is essential to resume living.
 
There are many modules for rehabilitation: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support during Covid-19 preparedness, response and recovery, Training for health service managers, Mental health and psychosocial support and mental health and psychological wellbeing.
 
The Truth about COVID is that World Population: 7.8 billion
Total COVID cases: 182 Million
Total COVID Deaths: 3.94 Million
Number of People who got COVID: 182 ⸓ 7.8 Billion = 0.23 (or) 2.3%
Number of People who die from COVID: 3.94 Million ⸓ 182 Million =0.21 (or) 2.1%
Chances of getting COVID and Dying: .023 X .021 = .0004 (or) .04%
Rehabilitation will minimize the suffering of COVID and post COVID illness.
You are invited to share your views and experience for the rehabilitation of our global crisis.
 
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Okasha
Honorary President of the Congress
Professor And Founder Okasha Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University,Cairo, Egypt
President of World Psychiatric Association (2002-2005)
Hon. President Egyptian Psychiatric Association and Arab Federation of Psychiatrists 
Adviser to the Egyptian President for Mental Health and Community Integration
Member of the Egyptian Presidential Council of Distinguished Scientists