After two years of uninterrupted use of face masks,
its optional use in open spaces in certain Peruvian regions came into effect on May 1. Within this framework, some experts warn that such a measure might trigger the Empty Face Syndrome.
This syndrome is a variant of the so-called Hut Syndrome by which various people, including children, experience anguish and anxiety when leaving home for fear of contagion, psychiatrist at the Social Health Insurance System's (EsSalud) Grau Emergency Hospital, Carlos Vera, said in remarks to Andina news agency.
In Peru, the Empty Face Syndrome manifests itself in people who, during the process of removing face masks, experience feelings of insecurity as they have to abandon this protective "barrier." This anxiety adds to others triggered by quarantine.
"For example, that is experienced by adults who have had to assume enormous expenses in burials or carry the ashes of relatives; some suffer from COVID-19 sequelae. This disease has caused a lot of depression and many problems, in addition to economic and mental ones," he explained.
Vera highlighted that children experiencing anxiety episodes tend to recover faster, something which does not happen among adults and it can take up to a year.
The expert pointed out that the symptoms of this syndrome are more noticeable in women, since "they have not only been patients, but also caregivers to older adults; besides, they have cared for their husbands and children." Thus, this change generates a lack of protection in them.
In relation to people who refuse to abandon the use of face masks, the psychiatrist recommends respecting their decision and not forcing them to do otherwise.
Moreover, the psychiatrist advised that older adults and people with pathologies or comorbidities continue using face masks until coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine's third dose is increased nationwide.
Finally, Vera specified that if any person is dependent on face masks in situations that are not necessary or dangerous, he/she should go to any mental health center to receive a better diagnosis of his/her need to remain permanently protected.
(END) SQH/KGR/MVB
Publicado: 6/5/2022