30% of COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients Diagnosed with Psychiatric Disorders

People Power Party's Kang Ki-yoon Emphasizes "Clear Information Sharing on COVID-19"

On the 3rd, as social distancing continues due to the resurgence of COVID-19, citizens waiting to be tested are lined up at a screening clinic set up at the National Medical Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Choi Hyun-joo] Kang Ki-yoon, a member of the People Power Party, announced on the 22nd that 30% of patients hospitalized at the National Medical Center due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders.

According to data obtained by Rep. Kang from the National Medical Center, among 80 general confirmed patients excluding those with pre-existing mental illnesses or dementia who were admitted to the negative pressure rooms of the medical center by the end of April, 24 patients, or 30%, were diagnosed with psychiatric conditions such as panic disorder, depression, and severe stress reactions. Additionally, 16 patients, or 20%, were prescribed psychiatric medications such as anxiolytics.

Rep. Kang emphasized that measures should be taken to share clear information about COVID-19 to reduce anxiety.

Rep. Kang stated, “The quarantine authorities should take measures to share information about COVID-19 to reduce anxiety, and at the same time, promptly establish measures such as psychiatric counseling and examinations for high-risk groups among the general public, including hospitalized patients.”

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