Abstract
Abstract:

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has profound implications for mental health, influencing various psychological dimensions across populations. However, the specific nature of the relationship between the pandemic and mental health outcomes remains inadequately explored. This study aimed to compare the patterns of psychiatric diagnoses and the dimensions of symptoms observed in the emergency unit before and during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria, with a focus on highlighting changes in the content of psychopathology throughout the study period.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted, reviewing clinical records from the emergency unit to identify and categorize psychiatric diagnoses and symptom dimensions. Data from the period prior to the pandemic were compared with those recorded during the initial wave of Covid-19.

Results: The findings reveal significant shifts in the patterns of psychiatric diagnoses and symptom presentations, indicating an increase in specific mental health issues correlated with the stressors associated with the pandemic. Notable changes in symptom dimensions suggest a heightened prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders during the pandemic.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for ongoing mental health support and resources during public health crises. Understanding the evolving nature of psychopathology in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic can inform future interventions and policy-making to better address mental health needs.

Keywords: Covid-19, mental health, psychiatric diagnoses, psychopathology, Nigeria.

Key words: K e y w o r d s : P s y c h i a t r i c , Emergencies, Covid-19, Content, Psychopathology, Nigeria