[Consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for people with schizophrenia, dementia and substance use disorders]

Molecular overlaps of neurological manifestations of COVID-19 and schizophrenia from a proteomic perspective

COVID-19, a complex multisystem disorder affecting the central nervous system, can also have psychiatric sequelae. In addition, clinical evidence indicates that a diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder is a risk factor for mortality in patients with COVID-19. In this study, we aimed to explore brain-specific molecular aspects of COVID-19 by using a proteomic approach. We analyzed the brain proteome of fatal COVID-19 cases and compared it with differentially regulated proteins found in postmortem schizophrenia brains. The COVID-19 proteomic dataset revealed a strong enrichment of proteins expressed by glial and neuronal cells and processes related to diseases with a psychiatric and neurodegenerative component. Specifically, the COVID-19 brain proteome enriches processes that are hallmark features of schizophrenia. Furthermore, we identified shared and distinct molecular pathways affected in both conditions. We found that brain ageing processes are likely present in both COVID-19 and schizophrenia, albeit possibly driven by distinct processes. In addition, alterations in brain cell metabolism were observed, with schizophrenia primarily impacting amino acid metabolism and COVID-19 predominantly affecting carbohydrate metabolism. The enrichment of metabolic pathways associated with astrocytic components in both conditions suggests the involvement of this cell type in the pathogenesis. Both COVID-19 and schizophrenia influenced neurotransmitter systems, but with distinct impacts. Future studies exploring the underlying mechanisms linking brain ageing and metabolic dysregulation may provide valuable insights into the complex pathophysiology of these conditions and the increased vulnerability of schizophrenia patients to severe outcomes.

[Telemedicine Care of Dementia Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic]

In our multidisciplinary memory center at Jena University Hospital, we initiated a regular video consultation for patients at risk of developing dementia or with dementia disease and their relatives at the beginning of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic in spring 2020.Over a 12-month period, we conducted a systematic survey of satisfaction among patients in regular face-to-face contact (F2F) and video consultations (VC).The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential use of telemedicine in older people with incipient cognitive deficits in the context of dementia. In particular, we aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction and feasibility.Initial presentations to our memory center for suspected dementia were evaluated in a standardized regular on-site setting (n=50) and in a standardized video consultation (n=40). In both settings, a neuropsychologist's and a physician's consultation were performed consecutively. Both groups were similarly distributed in terms of age and sex (71.4 vs. 72.3 years, 52 vs. 50% female (F2F vs. VC)). Cognitive status was slightly better in the VC group (ACE III significant, MMST not significant).In the survey of the patients using a 12-question inventory (patient satisfaction, rated 1 to 5), there was no significant difference between the two groups overall. However, the F2F tended to be rated slightly better here in terms of advice. More than 80% of the physicians and neuropsychologists rated the technical process of VC as good/very good.A general assessment of the cognitive deficits by physicians and neuropsychologists correlated extremely highly with the results of the subsequent specific testing (MMST and ACE) in F2F and VC. With a tendency to better agreement in VC, the difference between the correlations was not significant.Overall, we could not find any significant differences in patients' satisfaction between VC and classical F2F presentation. Technical aspects in the preparation of a VC and during a VC were less problematic than initially anticipated.

How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect the personal lives and care realities of people with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder? A qualitative interview study

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic constitutes one of the greatest recent public crises. This study explored its influence on the lives and care realities of people with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD).

METHODS

Between October 2020 and April 2021, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 volunteers with SSDs receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment in Vienna (Austria). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Three main themes were identified. First, 'Pandemic life is deprived, lonely and surreal - though certain aspects can be perceived as positive'. Second, 'Bio-psycho-social support systems were struck at their core by the pandemic and were left severely compromised'. Last, 'There is a complex interplay between one's prior experience of psychosis and the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic'. The pandemic situation affected interviewees in various ways. For many, it led to a drastic reduction in day-to-day and social activities and contributed to an atmosphere of strangeness and threat. Bio-psycho-social support providers frequently suspended their services and offered alternatives were not always helpful. Participants indicated that whilst having an SSD might render them vulnerable to the pandemic situation, prior experience with psychotic crises can also provide knowledge, skills and self-confidence which enable better coping. Some interviewees also perceived aspects of the pandemic situation as helpful for recovering from psychosis.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare providers must acknowledge the perspectives and needs of people with SSDs in present and future public health crises to ensure proper clinical support.

[COVID-19 vaccination for people with severe mental diseases : Results of the COVID Ψ outpatient survey and recommendations for psychiatry]

BACKGROUND

Severe mental illnesses are risk factors for SARS-CoV-2-related morbidity and mortality. Vaccination is an effective protection; therefore, high vaccination rates should be a major priority for people with mental illnesses.

OBJECTIVES

(1) Identification of at-risk groups for non-vaccination and structures and interventions needed for widespread vaccination among people with mental illnesses from the perspective of outpatient psychiatrists and neurologists, (2) discussion of the results in the context of the international literature and (3) recommendations derived from them.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Qualitative content analysis of COVID-19 vaccination-related questions from the COVID Ψ online survey of n = 85 psychiatrists and neurologists in Germany.

RESULTS

In the survey, people with schizophrenia, severe lack of drive, low socioeconomic status and homelessness were seen as risk groups for non-vaccination. Increased and targeted information, education, addressing and motivation and easily accessible vaccination offers by general practitioners, psychiatrists, and neurologists as well as complementary institutions were considered as important interventions.

DISCUSSION

COVID-19 vaccinations as well as information, motivation and access support should be systematically offered by as many institutions of the psychiatric, psychotherapeutic and complementary care systems in Germany as possible.

Changes in Selected Cognitive and Motor Skills as Well as the Quality of Life After a 24-Week Multidimensional Music-Based Exercise Program in People With Dementia

The loss of independence is one of the greatest consequences of dementia. Multidimensional music-based exercise programs could counteract. The present study investigates the effects of such a program on people with dementia and bases on a 24-week intervention with three measurement time points. Sixty-nine people with dementia were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 43) and control group (n = 26). The following outcome parameters were measured: leg strength, gait, grip strength, balance, reaction time, selected cognitive abilities, and quality of life. A mixed ANOVA with repeated measurement showed significant interaction effects between group and time. After 24-weeks in contrast to the control group the intervention group significantly improved in leg strength (P = .001), balance (P = .001), gait (P = .001), grip strength (right P = .002, left P = .011), reaction time (P = .003), global cognition (P = .039), verbal fluency (P = .002), attention (P = .013) and quality of life (P = .011). In conclusion, the program enhanced selected cognitive and motor skills and quality of life.

Perceived empowerment and the impact of negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of persons with severe mental illness

Purpose

Beyond its direct effects on physical health the COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to have negative effects on the living situation of people with severe mental illness (SMI). To date, there has been little research on resilience factors preventing people with SMI from experiencing negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of perceived empowerment (PE) as a resilience factor, preventing people with SMI from experiencing negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily living.

Methods

We investigated negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily living in 931 persons with SMI at two times within six month between June 2020 and Mai 2021. To take into account the longitudinal structure of the data we applied mixed effects regression analyses and longitudinal path models.

Results

A majority of participants experienced negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on several dimensions of daily living. Negative effects increased with rising levels of illness-related impairment but decreased as the level of PE rose. While negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic at follow-up were negatively associated with overall subjective quality of life baseline, PE was negatively associated with the negative impact of the pandemic and positively with quality of life.

Conclusion

Patients with SMI need support to reduce negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their quality of life. The promotion of PE could help strengthen resilience in this target group.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trial Register, DRKS00019086, registered on 3 January 2020. (https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00019086).