COVID-19 pandemic
The Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) spread rapidly worldwide during 2020, generating serious concern in the world population. Early studies showed the effects of this emergency on the physical health of people directly affected by the virus, but also it affects the psychological well-being of the general population. Social distancing, confinement, and forced quarantine have had an impact on people's activities and lifestyles. Accordingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has been defined as a potentially traumatic event affecting the world population.
In this context, we evaluated the psychological, psychophysiological, and cognitive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the general Italian population in the first two weeks of the lockdown. We highlighted important psychological consequences and a significant increase in sleep disorders. We are continuing to study the pandemic's psychological and behavioral effects on the general population and particular populations at risk (health personnel, military, etc.). In this context, we are also collaborating with Spain and the United States.