Presentation Information Mental Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic Across Vulnerable Populations Marit Sijbrandij, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Director of the WHO Collaborating Center at VU University The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting almost the entirely world population, but populations are not affected equally in terms of exposure to the pandemic and its adverse (mental) health consequences. Since the start of the pandemic, studies have evaluated the short-term impacts of the pandemic, and studies describing the longer-term impacts are starting to be published. In this presentation, an overview will be given of the mental health effects of the pandemic found so far, and of specific population groups vulnerable for negative mental health consequences of the pandemic. Further, the presentation will focus on evidence for scalable psychological strategies, including remotely delivered interventions to address COVID-19 related mental health issues among vulnerable groups. Marit Sijbrandij Marit Sijbrandij is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Department of Clinical, Neuro-and Developmental Psychology at VU University [Vrije Universiteit], Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Director of the WHO Collaborating Center at VU University. Her areas of research are prevention, (early) interventions and public mental health interventions for mental disorders in populations exposed to trauma and adversities, including refugee populations and populations in low- and middle-income countries. She has completed multiple trials evaluating strategies (such as internet intervention strategies, Psychological first Aid, and brief cognitive behavioural therapy) in the acute aftermath of trauma and adversities for prevention of common mental health symproms including posttraumatic disorder (PTSD). Currently, Marit Sijbrandij is coordinator of the EU H2020 STRENGTHS project, that evaluates the effectiveness of the scalable WHO programs for Syrian refugees across countries in Europe and the Middle East. In addition, she is coordinator of the recently funded EU H2020 RESPOND project, that is aimed at evaluating remotely delivered stepped cate programs to improve wellbeing and reduce psychological distress among individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. She is also involved many other studies, such as a trial on the effects of an innovative intervention using eye movements in the treatment of suicidal imagery in depressed suicidal patients. She is the supervisor of 10 PHD students. Panel Discussion I— Impacts of Long-COVID: Responses & Challenges This panel discussion consisted of the morning presenters: Jose Torradas, Subham Kharel, Charles Agyemang, Juliana Svistova, and Marit Sijbrandij.
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