Adoecimento mental dos médicos na pandemia do COVID-19

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existential anguish surrounding dying. Insecurity and uncertainty related to the limits of science and the lack of scientific consensus on this new disease highlights the need to investigate, reflect, and review information on mental health problems related to medical work, especially for those in the front line of provision of care for people with COVID-19. There is also a need to discuss the stigma attached to this population’s psychological suffering, especially during the pandemic and to identify mental disorders early and immediately seek specialized mental health services.  Methods: A narrative review aimed at discussing the state of the art and updating knowledge about mental illness among doctors in the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The scientific literature reveals high prevalence rates of common mental disorder (CMD), depressive symptoms, burnout, and suicide among students, residents, teachers, and medical professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic poses a risk of mental health disorders, commonly described as the fourth wave of the pandemic, which would be triggered by biopsychosocial elements arising from the quarantine period and prioritization of physical care over provision of mental health care. Conclusions: Healthcare institutions should review and reflect on their role in the promotion, maintenance, and prevention of psychological suffering and mental disorders identified among physicians. These measures will contribute to planning of better strategies that preserve their mental health, with positive consequences for society as a whole.