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Schizophrenia during the COVID-19 pandemic
Stefano Barlati1,2, Gabriele Nibbio1, Antonio Vita1,2
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia.
Current Opinion in Psychiatry
|February 15, 2021
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic increased risks for individuals with schizophrenia, yet psychotic symptoms remained stable for many. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection and social isolation may trigger psychosis in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacts global healthcare and mental health.
- Emerging evidence examines the pandemic's effects on schizophrenia and psychosis onset.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with schizophrenia.
- To explore the relationship between COVID-19, social isolation, misinformation, and psychotic symptom onset.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on COVID-19 and schizophrenia.
- Analysis of reported outcomes, patient concerns, and symptom stability during the pandemic.
Main Results:
- Individuals with schizophrenia face higher COVID-19 risks and worse outcomes.
- While many maintained stable psychotic symptoms, some experienced onset due to SARS-CoV-2, isolation, or misinformation.
- Subjective well-being increased in some patients during the pandemic.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must educate schizophrenia patients about COVID-19 risks and precautions.
- Maintaining continuity of care, including essential face-to-face visits and telemedicine, is crucial.
- The direct role of viral infection in psychosis onset is debated due to infrequent central nervous system involvement.
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