Análise da incidência de transtornos de ansiedade no período pós-Covid-19 em Santa Inês - Maranhão

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic had widespread impacts, with mental health being one of the most affected areas, leading to an increase in the incidence of anxiety disorders. Factors such as social isolation, fear of contamination, economic uncertainty, and loss of loved ones contributed to the worsening of symptoms. Thus, it is important to understand and explore the effects of anxiety resulting from the pandemic. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the post-pandemic context and the incidence of anxiety disorders in the population of Santa Inês, Maranhão. This is an exploratory, descriptive, and retrospective investigative study, using a quantitative approach to data analysis. It is a study based on secondary data, obtained from the analysis of medical records provided by the Santa Inês-MA Health Department. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, and results were presented in tables and graphs. A total of 127 patients were diagnosed with anxiety between 2021 and 2023, with 2022 (58.27%) showing the highest number of cases. In terms of gender, the majority were female (79.53%), and the most affected age group was between 19 and 30 years (49 cases), followed by the group aged 0 to 18 years (32 cases). Regarding symptoms, most patients (237) reported psychological symptoms, with generalized anxiety (101 cases) being the most frequent, followed by other symptoms (71 cases) and irritability/aggressiveness. As for physical symptoms, there were 11 cases of self-harm, followed by insomnia (9 cases). In terms of treatment, 82% of the records were incomplete, indicating underreporting and/or failure in documentation. In conclusion, there is a correlation between the pandemic period and the increase in anxiety rates, as evidenced by the study. Therefore, it is clear that there is a need for the implementation of new public policies, especially regarding the care and follow-up of the economically active population.