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Enhancing member engagement in a Tier 3 personality disorder service during COVID-19: evaluation of a virtual group programme. Behav Cogn Psychother 2022; 50:629-643. [PMID: 36082688 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465822000339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drop-out rates from evidence-based interventions for people with a diagnosis of personality disorder (PD) are high. The COVID-19 pandemic has likely exacerbated barriers to engagement with the introduction of virtual working. Virtual therapy has a good evidence-base for Axis I disorders, but limited research for Axis II disorders. AIMS To investigate facilitators and barriers to engagement in a Tier 3 PD service virtual group programme. METHOD A virtual group programme was developed in collaboration with service members, and analysed members' attendance rates over a 5-month period pre- and post-COVID-19. Thematic analysis of semi-structured telephone interviews with 38 members is reported, describing their experience of the virtual group programme. RESULTS Attendance rates were significantly higher pre-COVID (72%) than post-COVID (50%). Thematic analysis highlighted key barriers to attendance were: practical issues, low motivation, challenges of working in a group online and feeling triggered at home. Main promoters of engagement were: feeling valued, continued sense of connection and maintaining focus on recovery. DISCUSSION The results suggest that the pandemic has exacerbated relational and practical barriers to engagement in a Tier 3 PD service. Ways of enhancing engagement are discussed, as well as preliminary recommendation for services offering virtual therapy to people with a diagnosis of PD.
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Zahl KE, Pedersen G, Eikenaes IUM, Stänicke LI, Wilberg T, Baltzersen ÅL, Pettersen MS, Hummelen B, Arnevik E, Johansen MS, Hartveit Kvarstein E. Avoidant and borderline personality disorder patients during the first Covid-19 wave in Norway - a survey-based comparison of therapy changes and patients' accommodations. Nord J Psychiatry 2022; 77:336-344. [PMID: 35984379 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2022.2110614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with personality disorders (PDs) often have insecure attachment patterns and may be especially vulnerable to abrupt treatment changes. Patients with borderline PD (BPD) are often considered vulnerable to treatment interruption due to chronic fear of abandonment. Nonetheless, other PDs are poorly investigated. In the first Covid-19 wave in Norway, in-person treatment facilities and group treatments were strongly restricted from March 12th until May/June 2020. OBJECTIVES To examine and compare changes in outpatient treatment for patients with avoidant (AvPD) and BPD during the first Covid-19 wave in Norway, and patients' reactions to these changes. METHODS The study is based on a cross-sectional survey distributed to 1120 patients referred to 12 different PD treatment units on a specialist mental health service level within the Norwegian Network for Personality Disorders. The survey included questions on treatment situation, immediate reactions, and changes during the crisis. From 133 responders (response rate 12%), 40 patients reported BPD and 30 AvPD as diagnosis. RESULTS All patients were followed up from their therapist after March 12th. Almost all patients in both groups expressed satisfaction under the new circumstances. Both groups experienced the same regularity as before, but more AvPD patients reported less than weekly consultations. AvPD patients reported more negative feelings about changes in therapy, and missed the therapy and group members more than the BPD group. CONCLUSION After the lockdown, BPD patients received a closer follow-up than AvPD patients, and the latter reported more negative feelings related to change in their treatment situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell-Einar Zahl
- District Psychiatric Center Follo, Group Therapy Section, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Geir Pedersen
- Department for National and Regional Functions, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, NETWORK for Personality Disorders, Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingeborg Ulltveit-Moe Eikenaes
- Department for National and Regional Functions, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, National Advisory Unit for Personality Psychiatry, Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Line Indrevoll Stänicke
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Deacon Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Theresa Wilberg
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department for Research and Innovation, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Section for Treatment Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åse-Line Baltzersen
- Department for National and Regional Functions, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, National Advisory Unit for Personality Psychiatry, Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mona Skjeklesaether Pettersen
- Department for National and Regional Functions, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, NETWORK for Personality Disorders, Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, Troms, Norway
| | - Benjamin Hummelen
- Department for Research and Innovation, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Section for Treatment Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen Arnevik
- Department for Research and Innovation, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Selsbakk Johansen
- Department for National and Regional Functions, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Outpatient Clinic for Specialized Treatment of Personality Disorders, Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elfrida Hartveit Kvarstein
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department for National and Regional Functions, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Lakeman R, King P, Hurley J, Tranter R, Leggett A, Campbell K, Herrera C. Towards online delivery of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: A scoping review. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2022; 31:843-856. [PMID: 35048482 PMCID: PMC9305106 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) programmes are often the only available treatment for people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and were rapidly converted to online delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited research exists surrounding how the major elements of DBT are delivered in an online environment. This scoping review considered the operationalization of online delivery of DBT and its effectiveness. EBSCO host databases were searched using free text. Of 127 papers, 11 studies from 2010 to 2021 investigating online DBT for any clinical population were included in the review. A narrative synthesis of papers selected was undertaken. Seven articles reported results from five clinical trials (n = 437). Most adaptations mirrored face-to-face programmes although there was considerable variation in how therapy was facilitated. Attendance was reported to be greater online with comparable clinical improvements to face-to-face for those who remained in therapy. Additional challenges included managing risk, therapist preparedness and technology difficulties. Online delivery of DBT programmes is feasible and may be more accessible, acceptable and as safe and effective as face-to-face delivery. However, mirroring face to face delivery in an online environment may not be the most effective and efficient way to adapt DBT to online provision. Research is needed to identify areas which require further adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lakeman
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Bilinga, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter King
- Australian DBT Institute, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - John Hurley
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Bilinga, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard Tranter
- Mid North Coast Local Health District, Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Leggett
- Mid North Coast Local Health District, Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katrina Campbell
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Bilinga, Queensland, Australia
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Di Stefano R, Di Pietro A, Talevi D, Rossi A, Socci V, Pacitti F, Rossi R. Personality disorders (PD) and interpersonal violence (IV) during COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2022; 21:11. [PMID: 35397587 PMCID: PMC8994418 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-022-00388-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Not only did the ongoing CoronaVIrus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic cause a massive number of casualties, but also there is growing concern that the burden of its psychological aftermaths will only show up years down the road. This systematic review summarises the existing literature reporting the impact of COVID-19 on personality disorders (PDs)-related violence. MEDLINE and APA PsycINFO were independently searched for relevant studies by two authors. Eligible studies had to be identifiable through database searching, published and fully accessible. This systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An initial pool of 241 studies were found, out of which 69 met the selection criteria and were, therefore, included. The majority reported a worse Mental Health Outcome (MHO) during the pandemic as related to dysfunctional personality and positive personality traits predicting a better outcome. Furthermore, increased levels of interpersonal violence (IV) and self-directed violence were reported. Further research should be conducted on the reciprocal interaction of PDs and IV during the time of pandemic. Nevertheless, the dramatic impact of restrictive measures on PDs has still to be appropriately addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Di Stefano
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Angelica Di Pietro
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Dalila Talevi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Valentina Socci
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca Pacitti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Rossi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
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5
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Kvarstein EH, Zahl KE, Stänicke LI, Pettersen MS, Baltzersen ÅL, Johansen MS, Eikenaes IUM, Arnevik EA, Hummelen B, Wilberg T, Pedersen G. Vulnerability of personality disorder during the Covid-19 crises - a multicenter survey of treatment experiences among patients referred to treatment. Nord J Psychiatry 2022; 76:52-63. [PMID: 34126854 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2021.1934110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The societal shutdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic involved mental health services for personality disorder (PD) and was introduced from 12 March 2020 in Norway. Rapid implementation of treatment modifications was required for patients typically characterized by insecure attachment and vulnerability to separation. AIM To investigate immediate reactions to the shutdown of services; alternative treatment received; and differences related to age in a clinical sample of patients with PD. DESIGN A survey performed from June to October 2020 (after the first Covid-19 wave) among 1120 patients from 12 units offering comprehensive group-based PD programs. RESULTS The response-rate was 12% (N = 133). Negative feelings of anxiety, sadness, and helplessness were noteworthy immediate reactions, but the dominating attitude was accommodation. Younger patients (<26 years) reported more skepticism and less relief. Modified treatment was mainly telephone therapy. Digital therapy was less available, but was more frequent among younger patients. A minority received digital group therapy. Most patients rated the frequency and quality of modified treatments as satisfactory in the given situation, but also worried about own treatment progress, lack of group therapy, and 47% missed seeing the therapist when having telephone consultations. CONCLUSION The survey confirms a radical modification from comprehensive group-based PD programs to telephone consultations, low availability of digital consultations and group treatments. Taking a short-term, first wave perspective, the survey indicates a noteworthy capacity among poorly functioning patients for accommodating to a clearly challenging situation, as well as considerable concern about treatment progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elfrida Hartveit Kvarstein
- Department for National and Regional Functions, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjell-Einar Zahl
- Group Therapy Section, Follo District Psychiatric Centre, Akershus University Hospital, Nordbyhagen, Norway
| | - Line Indrevoll Stänicke
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Deacon Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mona Skjeklesaether Pettersen
- Department of Substance Abuse, Clinic for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Department for National and Regional Functions, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Network for Personality Disorders, Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åse-Line Baltzersen
- Department for National and Regional Functions, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, National Advisory Unit for Personality Psychiatry, Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Selsbakk Johansen
- Department for National and Regional Functions, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Outpatient Clinic for Specialized Treatment of Personality Disorders, Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingeborg Ulltveit-Moe Eikenaes
- Department for National and Regional Functions, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, National Advisory Unit for Personality Psychiatry, Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen Ajo Arnevik
- Department for Research and Innovation, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Benjamin Hummelen
- Department for Research and Innovation, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Section for Treatment Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Theresa Wilberg
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department for Research and Innovation, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Geir Pedersen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department for National and Regional Functions, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Network for Personality Disorders, Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the health of people all around the world including mental health as social isolation which has been one of the best infection mitigation efforts is strongly associated with anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide attempts. These feelings are consistent with past pandemics where there was loss of routine and sociability. Suicidality has been on the rise in the United States and it is within this context that the pandemic has struck. With the risk of suicide being increased, preventative measures need to be implemented at the universal, selective and indicated levels. Universal suicide prevention is needed for the population as a whole regardless of their risk of suicide. Selective prevention is for subgroups at an increased risk and lastly indicated prevention corresponds to people at a very high risk, for example those with recent suicide attempts. Telemedicine, informative and responsible media, as well as monetary help from governments, banks and other major institutions can all help with suicide prevention in these during the pandemic. These resources can broadly help the population at large, but more targeted approaches will be needed for high risk individuals including those with psychiatric diagnoses, COVID-19 survivors, frontline healthcare workers and the elderly. Additionally, those with recent suicide attempts should warrant even more attention.
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van Leeuwen H, Sinnaeve R, Witteveen U, Van Daele T, Ossewaarde L, Egger JIM, van den Bosch LMC. Reviewing the availability, efficacy and clinical utility of Telepsychology in dialectical behavior therapy (Tele-DBT). Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2021; 8:26. [PMID: 34717772 PMCID: PMC8556811 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-021-00165-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telepsychology is increasingly being implemented in mental health care. We conducted a scoping review on the best available research evidence regarding availability, efficacy and clinical utility of telepsychology in DBT. The review was performed using PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Our aim was to help DBT-therapists make empirically supported decisions about the use of telepsychology during and after the current pandemic and to anticipate the changing digital needs of patients and clinicians. METHODS A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, PsycARTICLES and Web of Science. Search terms for telepsychology were included and combined with search terms that relate to DBT. RESULTS Our search and selection procedures resulted in 41 articles containing information on phone consultation, smartphone applications, internet delivered skills training, videoconferencing, virtual reality and computer- or video-assisted interventions in DBT. CONCLUSIONS The majority of research about telepsychology in DBT has focused on the treatment mode of between-session contact. However, more trials using sophisticated empirical methodologies are needed. Quantitative data on the efficacy and utility of online and blended alternatives to standard (i.e. face-to-face) individual therapy, skills training and therapist consultation team were scarce. The studies that we found were designed to evaluate feasibility and usability. A permanent shift to videoconferencing or online training is therefore not warranted as long as face-to-face is an option. In all, there is an urgent need to compare standard DBT to online or blended DBT. Smartphone apps and virtual reality (VR) are experienced as an acceptable facilitator in access and implantation of DBT skills. In addition, we have to move forward on telepsychology applications by consulting our patients, younger peers and experts in adjacent fields if we want DBT to remain effective and relevant in the digital age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanneke van Leeuwen
- Vincent van Gogh Centre of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Stationsweg 46, 5803, AC, Venray, the Netherlands. .,Cognition and Behaviour, Donders Institute for Brain, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. .,Dialexis, Training institute for Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Roland Sinnaeve
- Dialexis, Training institute for Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,UPC KU Leuven, Kortenberg, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, Mind Body Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ursula Witteveen
- Dialexis, Training institute for Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,GGNet for Psychiatry, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.,Dutch Centre for treatment in DBT (NB-DBT), Harderwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Tom Van Daele
- Expertise Unit Psychology, Technology & Society, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Ossewaarde
- Centre for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands
| | - Jos I M Egger
- Vincent van Gogh Centre of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Stationsweg 46, 5803, AC, Venray, the Netherlands.,Cognition and Behaviour, Donders Institute for Brain, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Stevig Specialized and Forensic Care for People with Intellectual Disabilities, Dichterbij, Oostrum, The Netherlands
| | - Louisa M C van den Bosch
- Dialexis, Training institute for Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Dutch Centre for treatment in DBT (NB-DBT), Harderwijk, the Netherlands
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COVID-19 Related Traumatic Distress in Psychotherapy Patients during the Pandemic: The Role of Attachment, Working Alliance, and Therapeutic Agency. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11101288. [PMID: 34679353 PMCID: PMC8533688 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The early months of the COVID-19 pandemic have been a challenging time for many psychotherapy patients. To understand why certain patients were more resilient, we examined the role of patients' attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance, as well as collaborative therapy experiences (perceived working alliance and therapeutic agency) in their online sessions on their COVID-related traumatic distress over a three-month period. A total of 466 patients in online psychotherapy completed a survey during the first weeks of the pandemic, and 121 of those completed a follow-up survey three months later. Lower distress at follow-up was predicted by patients' lower attachment anxiety and higher therapeutic agency in their online sessions after controlling for baseline distress and time of survey completion. Higher working alliance predicted less distress at follow-up only for patients with high attachment anxiety. For patients with low attachment avoidance (i.e., more securely attached), higher therapeutic agency predicted less distress. These findings suggest that patients' attachment anxiety and therapeutic agency may play significant roles also in online therapy during COVID-19 in patient's experienced traumatic distress, and that working alliance and therapeutic agency may be differentially important for patients with different levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance.
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Pourriyahi H, Saghazadeh A, Rezaei N. Altered immunoemotional regulatory system in COVID-19: From the origins to opportunities. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 356:577578. [PMID: 33933818 PMCID: PMC8050399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the worldwide spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have led to social regulations that caused substantial changes in manners of daily life. The subsequent loneliness and concerns of the pandemic during social distancing, quarantine, and lockdown are psychosocial stressors that negatively affect the immune system. These effects occur through mechanisms controlled by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis that alter immune regulation, namely the conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA), which promotes inflammation and diminishes antiviral responses, leading to inadequate protection against viral disease. Unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, sleep disturbances, and mental health consequences of COVID-19 add on to the pathological effects of loneliness, making immunity against this ferocious virus an even tougher fight. Therefore, social isolation, with its unintended consequences, has inherently paradoxical effects on immunity in relation to viral disease. Though this paradox can present a challenge, its acknowledgment can serve as an opportunity to address the associated issues and find ways to mitigate the adverse effects. In this review, we aim to explore, in detail, the pathological effects of the new social norms on immunity and present suggested methods to improve our physical, psychological, and healthcare abilities to fight viral infection in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Pourriyahi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amene Saghazadeh
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; MetaCognition Interest Group (MCIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We report evidence on the negative psychological effects of pandemics in people with personality disorders (PDs) and on the role of personality pathology in compliance with mitigation-related behaviors. Considering the paucity of studies, after a description of the main features of PDs, on the basis of the current literature on pandemic and quarantine mental health impact, we trace some clinical hypotheses. RECENT FINDINGS Paranoid traits and detachment (cluster A) might lead to worse psychological outcomes. Cluster B patients may show more intense stress-related reactions and react strongly to social distancing, especially considering borderline personality disorder. Cluster C patients might be particularly prone to anxiety and stress due to fear of contagion and may be less flexible in adaptation to new routines. Evidence on compliance with mitigation measures is mixed, with lower compliance in cluster B patients and higher in cluster C ones. We suggest that PD patients might be particularly affected by pandemics. Furthermore, they might react differently, according to their main diagnosis. Similarly, compliance with mitigation measures may differ according to specific PDs. Our results should be considered as a starting point to reflect on therapeutic strategies to be adopted in the post-COVID-19 situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Preti
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, 20126, Milan, Italy.
| | - Rossella Di Pierro
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Fanti
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Madeddu
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Calati
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Nîmes University Hospital, 4 Rue du Professeur Robert Debré, 30029, Nîmes, France
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