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Cotter SJ, Smith CL, Gao CX, Khanna R, O'Donoghue B, Brown E, Thompson A. What impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on psychosis and the delivery of early intervention psychosis services? Schizophr Res 2024; 272:79-88. [PMID: 39208768 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Australia, the first nationwide COVID-19 lockdown occurred in March 2020 bringing challenges for early intervention psychosis (EIP) services. Limited evidence exists on the impacts of the pandemic on treatment outcomes among EIP clients. METHODS This prospective cohort study analysed routine data from 15 headspace Early Psychosis centres in Australia. Participants were 12 to 25 years, meeting criteria for First Episode Psychosis (FEP) or Ultra High Risk of psychosis (UHR) comparing those who commenced treatment 'pre-COVID-19' (between 16th August 2018 and 15th August 2019), and 'during-COVID-19' (between 1st March 2020 and 15th September 2020). Clinical symptoms at treatment commencement were assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). with outcomes after 6 months compared between cohorts using linear mixed-effects regression, controlling for confounders. RESULTS Of 1246 young people analysed (653 FEP, 596 UHR), significant improvements were observed with treatment in both groups (5 to 13-point reduction in BPRS score per 6-months treatment). Treatment effectiveness reduced during-COVID-19 for psychosis symptoms, with the FEP BPRS treatment effect lower by 4.3 points (95%CI: 0.5, 8.1). UHR clients had lower BPRS negative symptoms during-COVID-19 (p = 0.020). Service contacts increased during-COVID-19, with increased telehealth services (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Early intervention remained effective for FEP and UHR, despite the pandemic and transition of EIP services to virtual service delivery. Reduced treatment efficacy in FEP psychosis symptoms may indicate potential limitations of telehealth. Further research to examine longer term clinical and functional outcomes due to the pandemic is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine L Smith
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Orygen, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caroline X Gao
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Orygen, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rahul Khanna
- Phoenix Australia, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mental Health Division, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brian O'Donoghue
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ellie Brown
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Orygen, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Andrew Thompson
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Orygen, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Gartner SP, Olesen TB, Jensen H, Mortensen LM, Baandrup L. Recognition of schizophrenia and quality of treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Danish nationwide study. Schizophr Res 2024; 274:98-104. [PMID: 39277925 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.09.001] [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] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated the state of ill-health among patients with schizophrenia. We examined the number of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, the number of hospital admissions and outpatient contacts and the quality of treatment during the pandemic in comparison with the previous years. METHODS We identified patients ≥18 years old registered in the Danish Schizophrenia Registry from 2016 to 2022. Using a generalized linear model, we estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for each variable of interest. RESULTS A minor reduction in the number of new cases, admissions and outpatient contacts was seen during the first lockdown; however, there was no overall change across the pandemic period compared with the pre-pandemic period. We found no change in the proportion of patients who were interviewed using a diagnostic tool (37.0 % during pandemic vs 37.9 % pre-pandemic; PR = 0.87; 95 % CI 0.68-1.12) or received family intervention (57.7 % vs 57.1 %; PR = 0.97; 95 % CI 0.81-1.15), and no decrease was observed in the proportion of patients assessed for social support. Furthermore, no change in the proportion of patients re-admitted within 30 days (35.9 % vs 35.0 %; PR = 0.96; 95 % CI 0.88-1.07) or screened for suicide risk in relation to discharge (55.2 % vs 56.8 %; PR = 0.96; 95 % CI 0.97-1.09) was observed. CONCLUSIONS Recognition and treatment of schizophrenia was minimally affected during the first lockdown, but across the pandemic period no overall change was observed. The quality of treatment of schizophrenia was unchanged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ploug Gartner
- Department Bispebjerg-Gentofte, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Mental Health Services of the Capital Region in Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Esther Ammundsens vej 36, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Tina Bech Olesen
- The Danish Clinical Quality Program - National Clinical Registries (RKKP), Hedeager 3, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henry Jensen
- The Danish Clinical Quality Program - National Clinical Registries (RKKP), Hedeager 3, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lotte Maxild Mortensen
- The Danish Clinical Quality Program - National Clinical Registries (RKKP), Hedeager 3, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lone Baandrup
- Department Bispebjerg-Gentofte, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Mental Health Services of the Capital Region in Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Esther Ammundsens vej 36, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Goldschmidt T, Kippe YD, Gutwinski S, Deutscher K, Schouler-Ocak M, Kroehn-Liedtke F. Police-referred psychiatric emergency presentations during the first and second wave of COVID-19 in Berlin, Germany: a retrospective chart review. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:441. [PMID: 38867167 PMCID: PMC11167819 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05903-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature on psychiatric emergency services (PES) presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic showed heterogeneous results regarding patients brought in by police (BIBP). This is the first study primarily focusing on patients BIBP in a PES during the COVID-19-period. METHODS Case documentation records during the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in a PES in Berlin, Germany were analyzed using descriptive data analysis and binomial logistic regression analysis to detect factors that predict presentations BIBP. RESULTS 5440 PES presentations: 20.4% BIBP during the first wave vs. 16.3% during its control period; second wave: 17.6% BIBP vs. 14.9% during its control period. In both waves, absolute increases in presentations BIBP were seen compared to control (p = .029, p = .028, respectively). COVID-19-period was a predictor for presentations BIBP during the first and the second wave. The following factors also predicted presentations BIBP: younger age, male gender, aggressive behavior, suicide attempt prior to presentation and diagnosis of psychotic or substance use disorders; depressive disorders were negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS During the two first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in presentations BIBP in a PES in Berlin. Regression analysis shows that the pandemic itself was a predictor of presentations BIBP. The underlying factors of this association need to be further elucidated in future research. Additionally, general factors predicting PES presentations BIBP are reported that replenish the present literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Goldschmidt
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, Berlin, Germany.
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Yann David Kippe
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Gutwinski
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karl Deutscher
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, Berlin, Germany
| | - Meryam Schouler-Ocak
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Kroehn-Liedtke
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, Berlin, Germany
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4
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Gouse BM, Oblath R, Gibbs JS, Reagan EG, Brown HE. COVID-19 pandemic and emergency department visits for psychosis: Visit volume, restraint use, medication use, psychiatric hospitalization, and length of stay. Schizophr Res 2024; 267:301-307. [PMID: 38603838 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder were at heightened risk for interruptions in psychiatric care during the coronavirus-19 (COVID 19) pandemic. There is limited work exploring the pandemic's impact on emergency department (ED) visit volume, use of restraint and parenteral medications, inpatient psychiatric (IP) hospitalization, and ED length of stay (LOS) among this population. METHODS We retrospectively examined 2134 ED visits with a billing code for psychosis between March 1, 2019-February 28, 2021. We used Poisson regression analysis to compare ED visit volume between the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. Restraint use, parenteral antipsychotic or benzodiazepine use, IP hospitalization, and ED LOS were compared between the two periods using chi-square tests and independent samples t-tests. RESULTS Overall volume of psychosis-related ED visits during the pandemic did not differ significantly from the prior year. Rates of restraint use (16.2 % vs 11.6 %, p < .01), parenteral antipsychotic (22.6 % vs 14.9, p < .001), and parenteral benzodiazepine (22.3 % vs 16.3 %, p < .001) use were significantly higher during the pandemic. Fewer patients had an IP hospital disposition during the pandemic than the year prior (57.8 % vs. 61.9 %, p < .05). ED LOS was longer during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic (28.37 h vs 20.26 h, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Although the volume of psychosis-related ED visits remained constant, restraint and parenteral medication use rates were significantly higher during the pandemic. ED LOS increased but fewer ED visits resulted in IP hospitalization. These findings underscore the importance of planning for increased acuity of psychosis ED presentations during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany M Gouse
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston 02118, USA; Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis Research Program, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Rachel Oblath
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston 02118, USA
| | - Jada S Gibbs
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ellen G Reagan
- Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis Research Program, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Hannah E Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston 02118, USA; Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis Research Program, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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5
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Newberry-Dupé J, Chu W, Craig S, Borschmann R, O'Reilly G, Yates P, Melvin G, King K, Hiscock H. Adult Mental Health Presentations to Emergency Departments in Victoria, Australia between January 2018 and October 2020: Changes Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic Public Health Restrictions. Psychiatr Q 2024; 95:33-52. [PMID: 37938493 PMCID: PMC10901934 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-023-10057-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures altered patterns of help-seeking for mental health, with increases in emergency department utilisation reported. We examined the association between COVID-19 restrictions and adult emergency department (ED) mental health presentations in Victoria, Australia, through secondary analysis of data from 39 public EDs across the state. Participants were all patients (18+ years) presenting between 1 January 2018 and 31 October 2020 with mental health or intentional self-harm. The main outcome was number of presentations for each mental health condition, by patient age, socioeconomic status (SES), location, and ED triage category. We used a Poisson regression model to compare predicted monthly ED presentations based on trends from 2018, 2019 and 2020 (up to 31 March), with observed presentations during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic (1 April to 31 October 2020). There was an average of 4,967 adult mental health presentations per month pre-COVID-19 (1 January-31 March 2020) and 5,054 per month during the COVID-19 period (1 April-31 October 2020). Compared to predicted incidence, eating disorder presentations increased 24.0% in the COVID-19 period, primarily among higher SES females aged 18-24 years. Developmental/behavioural disorder presentations decreased by 19.7% for all age groups. Pandemic restrictions were associated with overall increases in monthly adult ED presentations for mental health, with some disorders increasing and others decreasing. Accessibility of acute mental health services needs to be addressed to meet changing demand and ensure services are responsive to changes in presentations resulting from future public health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Newberry-Dupé
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Wanyu Chu
- Centre for Health Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon Craig
- Paediatric Emergency Department, Monash Medical Centre, Emergency Service, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Emergency Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rohan Borschmann
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Gerard O'Reilly
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred, Melbourne, Australia
- National Trauma Research Institute, The Alfred, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Alfred Campus, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul Yates
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Continuing Care Clinical Service Unit, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Glenn Melvin
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kylie King
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harriet Hiscock
- Centre for Health Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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6
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Jones PM, Sweeny A, Branjerdporn G, Keijzers G, Marshall AP, Huang YL, Hall EJ, Ranse J, Palipana D, Teng YD, Crilly J. The impact of COVID-19 on emergency department presentations for mental health disorders in Queensland, Australia: A time series analysis. Asia Pac Psychiatry 2024; 16:e12553. [PMID: 38467558 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with detrimental effects on mental health and psychological well-being. Although multiple studies have shown decreases in mental health-related Emergency Department (ED) presentations early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the medium-term effects on mental health-related ED presentations have remained less clear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on mental health ED presentations by comparing observed presentation numbers to predictions from pre-pandemic data. METHODS This retrospective cohort study tallied weekly ED presentations associated with mental health disorders from a state-wide minimum dataset. Three time periods were identified: Pre-Pandemic (January 1, 2018-March 8, 2020), Statewide Lockdown (March 9, 2020-June 28, 2020), and Restrictions Easing (June 29, 2020-June 27, 2021). Time series analysis was used to generate weekly presentation forecasts using pre-pandemic data. Observed presentation numbers were compared to these forecasts. RESULTS Weekly presentation numbers were lower than predicted in 11 out of 16 weeks in the Statewide Lockdown period and 52 out of 52 weeks in the Restrictions Easing period. The largest decrease was seen for anxiety disorders (Statewide Lockdown: 76.8% of forecast; Restrictions Easing: 36.4% of forecast), while an increase was seen in presentations for eating disorders (Statewide Lockdown: 139.5% of forecast; Restrictions Easing: 194.4% of forecast). CONCLUSIONS Overall weekly mental health-related presentations across Queensland public EDs were lower than expected for the first 16 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings underline the limitations of emergency department provision of mental health care and the importance of alternate care modalities in the pandemic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy Sweeny
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Grace Branjerdporn
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Mental Health and Specialist Services, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gerben Keijzers
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrea P Marshall
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Intensive Care Unit, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ya-Ling Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Health (Nursing), Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emma J Hall
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jamie Ranse
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dinesh Palipana
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yang D Teng
- Departments of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia Crilly
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Singh P, Nawaz S, Seiber EE, Bryant I, Moon K, Wastler H, Breitborde NJ. ED Visits for Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic at 5 Campus Health Systems. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2349305. [PMID: 38150255 PMCID: PMC10753394 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.49305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Although substantial research has reported grave population-level psychiatric sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence pertaining to temporal changes in schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the US following the pandemic remains limited. Objective To examine the monthly patterns of emergency department (ED) visits for schizophrenia spectrum disorders after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants This observational cohort study used time-series analyses to examine whether monthly counts of ED visits for schizophrenia spectrum disorders across 5 University of California (UC) campus health systems increased beyond expected levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data included ED visits reported by the 5 UC campuses from 2016 to 2021. Participants included persons who accessed UC Health System EDs had a diagnosis of a psychiatric condition. Data analysis was performed from March to June 2023. Exposures The exposures were binary indicators of initial (March to May 2020) and extended (March to December 2020) phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was monthly counts of ED visits for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision diagnosis codes, categorized within Clinical Classification Software groups, were used to identify ED visits for schizophrenia spectrum disorders and all other psychiatric ED visits, from the University of California Health Data Warehouse database, from January 2016 to December 2021. Time-series analyses controlled for autocorrelation, seasonality, and concurrent trends in ED visits for all other psychiatric conditions. Results The study data comprised a total of 377 872 psychiatric ED visits, with 37 815 visits for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The prepandemic monthly mean (SD) number of ED visits for schizophrenia spectrum disorders was 519.9 (38.1), which increased to 558.4 (47.6) following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results from time series analyses, controlling for monthly counts of ED visits for all other psychiatric conditions, indicated 70.5 additional ED visits (95% CI, 11.7-129.3 additional visits; P = .02) for schizophrenia spectrum disorders at 1 month and 74.9 additional visits (95% CI, 24.0-126.0 visits; P = .005) at 3 months following the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in California. Conclusions and Relevance This study found a 15% increase in ED visits for schizophrenia spectrum disorders within 3 months after the initial phase of the pandemic in California across 5 UC campus health systems, underscoring the importance of social policies related to future emergency preparedness and the need to strengthen mental health care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvati Singh
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Saira Nawaz
- Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Evaluation Studies, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Eric E Seiber
- Division of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Ian Bryant
- Department of Economics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kyle Moon
- Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Evaluation Studies, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Heather Wastler
- Early Psychosis Intervention Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Nicholas J Breitborde
- Early Psychosis Intervention Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
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8
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Onur D, Usta H, Ayık B, Sönmez E, Özdemir C. Attitudes toward COVID-19 pandemic measures and clinical symptom severity in schizophrenia patients: a preliminary cross-sectional study. J Int Med Res 2023; 51:3000605231195449. [PMID: 37698373 PMCID: PMC10498707 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231195449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aim was to compare clinical symptom severity and quality of life (QoL) among schizophrenia patients according to their attitudes toward pandemic measures and reported lockdown-related disruption. METHODS Patients with schizophrenia attending follow-up sessions at two community mental health centers were included in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients were assessed using a standardized form and the following psychometric instruments: the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Heinrich-Carpenter Quality of Life Scale and Clinical Global Impressions Ratings-Severity scale. Patients were grouped according to their attitudes toward pandemic measures (positive attitudes or non-positive attitudes). RESULTS No significant differences were found in sociodemographic and clinical variables, clinical symptom severity or QoL between schizophrenia patients with positive attitudes and those without positive attitudes toward pandemic measures. Guilt feelings and trait anxiety levels were positively related to lockdown-related disruption. CONCLUSIONS Positive attitudes toward pandemic measures may be affected by factors other than the sociodemographic and clinical status of schizophrenia patients. It is important that such factors are assessed in future studies to better manage pandemic-related challenges among schizophrenia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durmaz Onur
- Erenköy Mental Health and Neurology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul 34736, Turkey
| | - Haluk Usta
- Erenköy Mental Health and Neurology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul 34736, Turkey
| | - Batuhan Ayık
- Erenköy Mental Health and Neurology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul 34736, Turkey
| | - Ekin Sönmez
- Erenköy Mental Health and Neurology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul 34736, Turkey
| | - Cemre Özdemir
- Erenköy Mental Health and Neurology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul 34736, Turkey
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Multiple countries have reported increased COVID-19 mortality in patients with schizophrenia. The purpose of this review was to synthetize the consequences of the pandemic on patients with schizophrenia including vaccination data. RECENT FINDINGS We have synthetized data on the increased risk of infection and increased mortality, the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns on psychiatric care, vaccination policies, unwillingness to vaccine in patients and the rates of vaccination. SUMMARY Schizophrenia has been confirmed at increased risk of both COVID-19 infection and developing a severe/lethal form of the infection. Patients with schizophrenia should, therefore, be prioritized for vaccination whenever possible and should be prioritized for psychiatric and somatic care access. Psychotic symptomatology may be a barrier to vaccination in some patients, and heterogenous vaccination rates were identified in national databases. The COVID-19 pandemic has been also a unique opportunity to develop telehealth. A mixed face-to-face and distance model should be encouraged, whenever possible, to improve the experience of patients, relatives and healthcare professionals. No major change of long-acting antipsychotics has been reported in most countries, and there was no consistent evidence for clozapine prescription to increase the risk of COVID-19 infection or severe outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Fond
- Aix-Marseille University, CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Marseille
- FondaMental Academic Advanced Center of Expertise for Depressive disorders and Schizophrenia (FACE-DR, FACE-SZ), Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Boyer
- Aix-Marseille University, CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Marseille
- FondaMental Academic Advanced Center of Expertise for Depressive disorders and Schizophrenia (FACE-DR, FACE-SZ), Marseille, France
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10
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Moga S, Petric PS, Miron AA, Ifteni P, Teodorescu A. Outcome of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Patients Treated With Clozapine WHO Previously Went Through SARS-COV-2 Infection. Am J Ther 2023:00045391-990000000-00146. [PMID: 37097999 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0000000000001633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic had multiple consequences for the health care system, especially for patients with mental illnesses. Schizophrenia patients particularly appear to have a higher risk of complications due to coronavirus-19 (COVID-19). Clozapine remains the gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). However, the COVID-19 pandemic had an important negative impact on clozapine treatment, mainly because of its administration protocol, which was very difficult to follow during the restrictions imposed in the pandemic, and its side effects in patients with COVID-19 infection. Vaccination is an effective method of avoiding SARS-CoV-2 infection or its severe complications, especially in susceptible populations. Data on adverse events after vaccination against COVID-19 are limited, both in the general population and in schizophrenia patients. STUDY QUESTION The study aimed to investigate the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in patients treated with clozapine for hematological parameters. STUDY DESIGN We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. We compared 2 groups of COVID-19 vaccinated patients who had previously experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection: The first group was treated with clozapine, whereas the second group was treated with other antipsychotics. MEASURES AND OUTCOMES The primary objective was to identify granulocytopenia, leukocytopenia, and lymphocytopenia. The results were measured after the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. RESULTS This study included 100 patients. White blood cell count changes were limited to a few cases of mild granulocytopenia (8.16% in the clozapine group and 3.92% in the nonclozapine group, P = 0.37) with no cases of severe granulocytopenia or agranulocytosis. CONCLUSIONS As far as leukocyte counts are concerned, mRNA COVID-19 vaccination seems to be safe in patients treated with clozapine who previously had SARS-CoV-2 infection. Leukocyte changes had no clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Moga
- Universitatea Transilvania din Braşov, Facultatea de Medicina, Braşov, România; and
- Spitalul Clinic de Psihiatrie şi Neurologie Braşov, Braşov, România
| | - Paula Simina Petric
- Universitatea Transilvania din Braşov, Facultatea de Medicina, Braşov, România; and
- Spitalul Clinic de Psihiatrie şi Neurologie Braşov, Braşov, România
| | - Ana Aliana Miron
- Universitatea Transilvania din Braşov, Facultatea de Medicina, Braşov, România; and
- Spitalul Clinic de Psihiatrie şi Neurologie Braşov, Braşov, România
| | - Petru Ifteni
- Universitatea Transilvania din Braşov, Facultatea de Medicina, Braşov, România; and
- Spitalul Clinic de Psihiatrie şi Neurologie Braşov, Braşov, România
| | - Andreea Teodorescu
- Universitatea Transilvania din Braşov, Facultatea de Medicina, Braşov, România; and
- Spitalul Clinic de Psihiatrie şi Neurologie Braşov, Braşov, România
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11
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Wang D, Zhou L, Chen C, Sun M. Psychotic-like experiences during COVID-19 lockdown among adolescents: Prevalence, risk and protective factors. Schizophr Res 2023; 252:309-316. [PMID: 36706476 PMCID: PMC9868397 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although plenty of evidence has shown the huge negative impact of COVID-19 on individuals' mental health conditions, little is known about its impact on the psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in the general population. We aim to explore the prevalence of PLEs and relevant influential factors among adolescents during COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS A total of 3234 students completed one online survey between April to May 2020. PLEs were assessed using the 15-item Positive Subscale of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE-P15). Resilience, social support, childhood trauma, and a series of socio-demographic factors were also evaluated. RESULTS In this sample, 51.4 % adolescents reported having at least one PLE, while 11.6 % experienced PLEs frequently during COVID-19 lockdown. Senior high school students showed more frequent PLEs than college students (p < 0.001). Female gender (OR = 1.77), history of mental disorders (OR = 3.07) or chronic physical illness (OR = 2.04), having relatives or friends being infected with COVID-19 (OR = 3.12), longer daily exposure to media coverage of the COVID-19 (OR = 1.60), and more childhood trauma (OR = 1.54-3.49) were correlated with more frequent PLEs, while higher resilience (OR = 0.35-0.54) and more perceived social support (OR = 0.63-0.72) were associated with decreased odds for frequent PLEs. Additionally, there were several differences among the influential factors between senior high school and college students. CONCLUSIONS PLEs were relatively common among Chinese adolescents, with higher prevalence among senior high school students during COVID-19 lockdown. Adolescents with specific characteristics should receive more attention in the development of intervention measures in mental health during pandemic lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Wang
- Department of Social Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China; School of Psychology, Centre for Studies of Psychological Applications, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Brain Cognition and Educational Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Social Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunping Chen
- Institute of Education, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Department of Social Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China.
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12
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Goldschmidt T, Kippe Y, Finck A, Adam M, Hamadoun H, Winkler JG, Bermpohl F, Schouler-Ocak M, Gutwinski S. Psychiatric presentations and admissions during the first wave of Covid-19 compared to 2019 in a psychiatric emergency department in Berlin, Germany: a retrospective chart review. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:38. [PMID: 36639626 PMCID: PMC9839445 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04537-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies agree that the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown had a negative impact on mental health. On the other hand, international studies have shown that psychiatric emergency departments (pED) experienced a decrease in presentations and admissions. METHODS Retrospective chart review of all pED presentations and admissions during the first wave of Covid-19 pandemic in Germany (Covid-19 period: 3/2/20 to 05/24/20) in a psychiatric hospital in Berlin compared to 1 year earlier (pre-Covid-19 period). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS We observed no statistical significant changes in overall pED presentations and overall hospital admissions during the Covid-19 period compared to the pre-Covid-19 period (813 vs. 894, - 9.1%, p = 0.064 and (363 vs. 437, - 16.9%, p = 0.080 respectively). In the subgroup analysis, less patients with depressive disorders (p = 0.035) and with personality disorders (p = 0.002) presented to the pED, a larger number of presentations with schizophrenia was observed (p = 0.020). In the Covid-19 period, less patients with substance use disorder and paranoid schizophrenia were admitted to the hospital via the pED than in the pre-Covid-19 period (p = 0.035 and p = 0.006, respectively). Bed capacity was reduced in the Covid-19 period by - 32.8% (p < 0.001). Presentations in police custody were 13.7% (p = 0.029) higher during the Covid-19 compared to pre-Covid-19 period, with higher rates in female presentations (p = 0.008) and suicide attempts (p = 0.012) and less hospital admissions (p = 0.048). Logistic regression analyses revealed that positive predictors for pED presentation during Covid-19 period were police custody (p < 0.001), being redirected from another hospital (p < 0.001), suicide attempt (p = 0.038), suicidal thoughts (p = 0.004), presentation with paranoid schizophrenia (p = 0.001) and bipolar and manic disorders (p = 0.004), negative predictors were hospital admission (p < 0.001), depressive disorders (p = 0.021) and personality disorders (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A larger number of presentations in police custody during the Covid-19 period may represent untreated medical needs. This was seen predominantly in female patients, suggesting this subgroup might have suffered particularly under lockdown measures. Patients with paranoid schizophrenia were the only subgroup, which increased in absolute numbers, also suggesting a particular lockdown effect. Reduced bed capacity due to infection curbing measures is suggestive to have played an important role in augmenting the threshold for hospital admissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Goldschmidt
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Y Kippe
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Finck
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Adam
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - H Hamadoun
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - J G Winkler
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - F Bermpohl
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Schouler-Ocak
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Gutwinski
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany
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13
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Danilevska N, Kurylo V, Tkachenko O, Podsevakhina S, Chabanna O. Inducing situations and pathogenetic chains of health deterioration in combatants in the context of COVID-19 and quarantine. ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/12734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
<b>Introduction: </b>The purpose of the study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and the ensuing health problems associated with quarantine.<br />
<b>Methods: </b>All combatants who were hospitalized during the first and most severe quarantine restrictions in Ukraine (from 12 March 2020 to 22 May 2020) were surveyed. Through clinical, anamnestic, psychopathological, and psychodiagnostic examination, including psychoanalysis and the fear of COVID-19 scale, the authors identified combatants’ health disorders and their association with pandemic and quarantine-related experiences.<br />
<b>Results: </b>The authors found that the following situations could provoke deterioration in the health of combatants due to fear: contact with a patient with COVID-19, planned posting to the hotbed of COVID-19, military service in the area of high risk of contact with patients with COVID-19, receiving information about COVID-19, receiving false information about COVID-19, disruption of critical infrastructure due to quarantine measures.the authorshave provided an algorithm by which these traumatic situations provoke the development of health disorders. In particular, they cause fear of social and work stigmatization due to infection with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), fear of suffering or death during COVID-19, ear that family members will become infected, erroneous conclusions about someone deliberately exaggerating the dangers of COVID-19, feeling of injustice and incorrectness of the quarantine measures, household discomfort and organizational stress. These experiences change the subjective picture of the future of combatants, and this provokes the development or exacerbation of pre-existing mental and somatic disorders. The impact of information on COVID-19 on combatant health disorders was investigated.<br />
<b>Conclusions: </b>The authors believe that this knowledge will help to develop special psychoprophylactic approaches that would prevent the development of mental and somatic disorders due to the COVID-19 pandemic and improve the quality of quarantine measures. It will also allow measures to be taken to prevent a reduction in the army’s combat effectiveness through a pandemic and quarantine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Danilevska
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, General and Medical Psychology, Narcology and Sexology, Zaporizhzhia State Medical University, Zaporizhzhia, UKRAINE
| | - Vitalii Kurylo
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, General and Medical Psychology, Narcology and Sexology, Zaporizhzhia State Medical University, Zaporizhzhia, UKRAINE
| | - Olha Tkachenko
- Department of Therapy and Endocrinology, Zaporizhzhia Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia, UKRAINE
| | - Svitlana Podsevakhina
- Department of Therapy and Endocrinology, Zaporizhzhia Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia, UKRAINE
| | - Olena Chabanna
- Department of Therapy and Endocrinology, Zaporizhzhia Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia, UKRAINE
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14
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Lee K, Jang K, Kim H, Bae G, Jang CS, Shin JH. Factors Affecting the Length of Stay in the Emergency Department in Psychiatric Emergency Patients in the COVID-19 Pandemic Context. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2023; 60:469580231167529. [PMID: 37052169 PMCID: PMC10102821 DOI: 10.1177/00469580231167529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
To reduce overcrowding in emergency departments (ED), which is a serious international problem, it is important to reduce the length of ED stay (ED LOS) of emergency patients. In particular, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, psychiatric emergency patients spent much longer in ED. This study was conducted to identify the characteristics of psychiatric emergency patients who visited the ED during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify factors affecting ED LOS. This retrospective study was conducted on adult patients aged 19 years or older who visited a psychiatric emergency center operated by an ED from 1 May 2020 to 31 April 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, the average ED LOS of psychiatric emergency patients was 7.8 h. Factors affecting ED LOS for over 12 h were isolation (OR = 2.39, CI = 1.409-4.052), unaccompanied police officers (OR = 2.106, CI = 1.338-3.316), night-time visits (OR = 2.127, CI = 1.357-3.332), use of sedatives (OR = 1.671, CI = 1.030-2.713), and restraints (OR = 1.968, CI = 1.172-4.895). The ED LOS of psychiatric emergency patients is longer than that of general emergency patients, and a long ED LOS causes ED overcrowding. To reduce the ED LOS of psychiatric emergency patients, they must be accompanied by a police officer when visiting the ED, and the treatment process should be reorganized so that a psychiatrist can promptly intervene. Furthermore, it is necessary to reorganize the isolation guidelines and admission criteria for mental emergency patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangbum Lee
- Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Hyeonjeong Kim
- Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gitak Bae
- Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Seob Jang
- Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Hwan Shin
- Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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15
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Ullrich H, Kirchner H, Hulsmans N, Müller H, Pajonk FGB. [What Influence did the Lockdown 2020 have on the Use of a Central Emergency Room by Psychiatric Emergency Patients]. PSYCHIATRISCHE PRAXIS 2023; 50:29-35. [PMID: 35878615 DOI: 10.1055/a-1896-8129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19 disease) poses major challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. The aim of this work was to identify the impact on psychiatric emergency presentations in an ED during the implemented lockdown. METHODS A retrospective survey of all psychiatric emergency presentations in the ED during the lockdown was conducted. The same period in 2019 served as the reference year. RESULTS There was a decrease in psychiatric patients. Changes were observed in the age and diagnoses. CONCLUSION Some clear effects of the lockdown on psychiatric emergencies in an ED setting can be described. However, the changes were smaller than in other countries with other health care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Ullrich
- Abteilung für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Kreisklinikum Siegen gGmbH
| | - Heribert Kirchner
- Abteilung für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Fakultät für Gesundheit, LWL-Klinik, Münster
| | | | - Helge Müller
- Fakultät für Gesundheit, Universität Witten/Herdecke
| | - Frank-Gerald B Pajonk
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Praxis Isartal, Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
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16
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Stephenson E, Yusuf A, Gronsbell J, Tu K, Melamed O, Mitiku T, Selby P, O'Neill B. Disruptions in Primary Care among People with Schizophrenia in Ontario, Canada, During the COVID-19 Pandemic. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2022:7067437221140384. [PMID: 36453004 PMCID: PMC9720063 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221140384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate how primary care access, intensity and quality of care changed among patients living with schizophrenia before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada. METHODS This cohort study was performed using primary care electronic medical record data from the University of Toronto Practice-Based Research Network (UTOPIAN), a network of > 500 family physicians in Ontario, Canada. Data were collected during primary care visits from 2643 patients living with schizophrenia. Rates of primary care health service use (in-person and virtual visits with family physicians) and key preventive health indices indicated in antipsychotic monitoring (blood pressure readings, hemoglobin A1c, cholesterol and complete blood cell count [CBC] tests) were measured and compared in the 12 months before and after onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Access to in-person care dropped with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first year of the pandemic only 39.5% of patients with schizophrenia had at least one in-person visit compared to 81.0% the year prior. There was a corresponding increase in virtual visits such that 78.0% of patients had a primary care appointment virtually during the pandemic period. Patients prescribed injectable antipsychotics were more likely to continue having more frequent in-person appointments during the pandemic than patients prescribed only oral or no antipsychotic medications. The proportion of patients who did not have recommended tests increased from 41.0% to 72.4% for blood pressure readings, from 48.9% to 60.2% for hemoglobin A1c, from 57.0% to 67.8% for LDL cholesterol and 45.0% to 56.0% for CBC tests during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS There were substantial decreases in preventive care after the onset of the pandemic, although primary care access was largely maintained through virtual care. Addressing these deficiencies will be essential to promoting health equity and reducing the risk of poor health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Stephenson
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abban Yusuf
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Gronsbell
- Department of Statistical Sciences, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Tu
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, 8613North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, 26625Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Osnat Melamed
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Mental Health and Addiction (CAMH), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tezeta Mitiku
- Department of Psychiatry, 6363University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Selby
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Mental Health and Addiction (CAMH), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Braden O'Neill
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, 508783Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Mueller-Stierlin AS, Meixner F, Lehle J, Kohlmann A, Schumacher M, Woehler S, Haensel A, Reuter S, Herder K, Bias N, Becker T, Kilian R. Perceived empowerment and the impact of negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of persons with severe mental illness. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276123. [PMID: 36264893 PMCID: PMC9584414 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
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).
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel Sandra Mueller-Stierlin
- Department of Psychiatry II, Ulm University, Günzburg, Germany
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Jutta Lehle
- Department of Psychiatry II, Ulm University, Günzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Kohlmann
- Department of Psychiatry II, Ulm University, Günzburg, Germany
| | - Mara Schumacher
- Department of Psychiatry II, Ulm University, Günzburg, Germany
| | | | - Anke Haensel
- Department of Psychiatry II, Ulm University, Günzburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Reuter
- Department of Psychiatry II, Ulm University, Günzburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Herder
- Department of Psychiatry II, Ulm University, Günzburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Bias
- Department of Psychiatry II, Ulm University, Günzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Becker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Reinhold Kilian
- Department of Psychiatry II, Ulm University, Günzburg, Germany
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18
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Kippe YD, Adam M, Finck A, Moran JK, Schouler-Ocak M, Bermpohl F, Gutwinski S, Goldschmidt T. Suicidality in psychiatric emergency department situations during the first and the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 273:311-323. [PMID: 36071277 PMCID: PMC9451117 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01486-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric patients are prone to mental health deterioration during the Covid-19 pandemic. Little is known about suicidality in psychiatric patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study is a retrospective chart review of psychiatric emergency department (pED) presentations with present or absent suicidality (5634 pED attendances, 4110 patients) in an academic pED in Berlin, Germany. Poisson regression analysis was performed on the effect of Covid-19 period on suicidality (suicidal ideation (SI), suicide plans (SP) or suicide attempt (SA)) during the first (3/2/2020-5/24/2020 "first-wave") and second (9/15/2020-3/1/2021 "second-wave") wave of the Covid-19 pandemic compared to the same periods one year earlier. During the first-wave the number of pED visits per person with SI, SP and SA was higher compared to one year earlier (SI RR = 1.614; p = 0.016; SP RR = 2.900; p = 0.004; SA RR = 9.862; p = 0.003). SI and SP were predicted by interaction between substance use disorder (SUD) and second-wave (SI RR = 1.305, p = 0.043; SP RR = 1.645, p = 0.018), SA was predicted by interaction between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and second-wave (RR = 7.128; p = 0.012). Suicidality increased during the first-wave of Covid-19 pandemic in our sample. In the second-wave this was found in patients with SUD and BPD. These patients may be at particular risk of suicidality during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann David Kippe
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité Im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maia Adam
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité Im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Finck
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité Im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - James Kenneth Moran
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité Im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Meryam Schouler-Ocak
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité Im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Bermpohl
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité Im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Gutwinski
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité Im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Goldschmidt
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité Im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
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Psychotic disorders amid the COVID-19 pandemic: a consideration of risks and impacts. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2022; 35:140-145. [PMID: 35125397 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe and widespread global impact but particularly for those with psychosis. This review summarizes recent evidence on the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and psychotic disorders, highlighting the risks faced by these individuals including the negative impacts on treatment services, complications from contracting COVID-19, and the acceptability of digital interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Mortality, morbidity, and infection outcomes are among the worst for individuals with psychotic disorders. Presentation rates for psychotic disorders are elevated at emergency departments compared with before the COVID-19 pandemic; demand for inpatient services has increased, and there have been complications in access because of pandemic restrictions. COVID-19 related stressors have led to the exacerbation and incidence of psychotic symptoms among individuals with and without preexisting psychotic diagnoses. Digital interventions may be an acceptable method for maintaining patient contact and treatment during extended isolation. SUMMARY More data is needed on the longitudinal trajectory for psychotic symptoms post-COVID-19 infection and pandemic restrictions to better support individuals with psychotic disorders. Development of a long-term pandemic management plan is needed to monitor and support psychiatric health across the population.
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Allison S, Bastiampillai T, Looi JC, Copolov D, Lakra V. Real-world performance of Victorian hospitals during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Australas Psychiatry 2022; 30:239-242. [PMID: 35382606 PMCID: PMC8990569 DOI: 10.1177/10398562221079281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Victoria has low numbers of general adult psychiatric beds per capita by Australian and international standards. Hospital key performance indicators (KPIs) such as bed occupancy rates, emergency department waiting times and inpatient lengths of stay are proximal measures of the effects any shortfall in beds. We investigate the real-world performance of Victorian hospitals during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the extended lockdowns in 2020. CONCLUSIONS The Victorian inpatient psychiatric system is characterised by high bed occupancies in many regions, extended stays in emergency departments awaiting a bed, and short inpatient lengths of stay, except for patients with excessively long stays on acute units (over 35 days) who are unable to be admitted to non-acute facilities. At the end of 2020, bed occupancies were high (above 90%) in 10 regions, with three regions having bed occupancies over 100%. However, state-wide average bed occupancy improved between 2019 (94%) and 2020 (88%). Other KPIs remained steady because acute hospitals did not experience the expected pandemic mental health demand-surge. For a more complete picture of the impact of the pandemic, Australia needs interconnected, centralised data systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Allison
- College of Medicine and Public Health, 1065Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Consortium of Australian-Academic Psychiatrists for Independent Policy Research and Analysis (CAPIPRA), Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Tarun Bastiampillai
- Consortium of Australian-Academic Psychiatrists for Independent Policy and Research Analysis (CAPIPRA), Canberra, ACT, Australia; 6451Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, SA, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Cl Looi
- Consortium of Australian-Academic Psychiatrists for Independent Policy Research and Analysis (CAPIPRA), Canberra, ACT, Australia; Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Australian National University Medical School, Canberra Hospital, ACT, Australia
| | - David Copolov
- Department of Psychiatry, 6451Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vinay Lakra
- Department of Psychiatry, 6451University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Northern Area Mental Health Services, Melbourne Health, VIC, Australia
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21
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Hamlin M, Ymerson T, Carlsen HK, Dellepiane M, Falk Ö, Ioannou M, Steingrimsson S. Changes in Psychiatric Inpatient Service Utilization During the First and Second Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:829374. [PMID: 35250673 PMCID: PMC8891754 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.829374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused societal restrictions and public fear which may have impacted the pattern of seeking psychiatric care. There has generally been a decrease in the numbers seeking acute psychiatric care. It is important to investigate which groups seeking psychiatric treatment have decreased in number. The aim of our investigation was to identify which groups have a changed pattern in acute psychiatric service utilization during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study investigated changes in the rate and pattern of visits and hospital admissions for psychiatric disorders at a large Swedish hospital. A register-based study was conducted using administrative data on adult psychiatric emergency department visits (PEVs) and hospital admission rates. Data during the first two COVID-19 waves were compared to corresponding control periods in 2018-2019. Furthermore, a survey was performed among patients visiting the Psychiatric Emergency Department on their views of COVID-19 and acute psychiatric care. During the COVID-19 periods, PEVs were reduced overall by 16 and 15% during the first and second wave, respectively (p < 0.001 in both cases), while the rate of admissions remained unaltered. PEVs were significantly reduced for most psychiatric diagnosis subgroups except for patients with schizophrenia and other related psychotic disorders as well as for those who required ongoing outpatient care. Most of the survey respondents disagreed that the pandemic affected their visit and about a quarter thought a video call with a doctor could have replaced their visit. In conclusion, there was a significant reduction in overall PEVs during both COVID-19 waves but this did not affect the numbers requiring admission for psychiatric inpatient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda Hamlin
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thérèse Ymerson
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanne Krage Carlsen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marzia Dellepiane
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Örjan Falk
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Department of Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Ioannou
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Department of Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Steinn Steingrimsson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Department of Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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22
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Beghi M, Ferrari S, Biondi L, Brandolini R, Corsini C, De Paoli G, Sant’Angelo RP, Fraticelli C, Casolaro I, Zinchuk M, Pashnin E, Urh L, Castelpietra G, Cornaggia CM. Mid-term psychiatric consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic: a 4 months observational study on emergency room admissions for psychiatric evaluation after the (first) lockdown period in Italy. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:1283-1289. [PMID: 35279745 PMCID: PMC8917958 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02262-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of our study is to evaluate the number and the features of admissions to the emergency room (ER) requiring psychiatric consultation, in the period between May 4th and August 31st 2020. METHODS We carried out a retrospective longitudinal observational study examining the 4 months following the initial lockdown imposed during the COVID-19 outbreak (May 4th and August 31st 2020). More specifically, the ER admissions leading to psychiatric referral were reviewed at all seven public hospitals of AUSL Romagna (Emilia Romagna region, Italy). Socio-demographic variables, history of medical comorbidities or psychiatric disorders, reason for ER admission, psychiatric diagnosis at discharge, and actions taken by the psychiatrist were collected. RESULTS An 11.3% (p = 0.007) increase in psychiatric assessments was observed when compared with the same period of the previous year (2019). A positive personal history of psychiatric disorders (OR:0.68, CI: 0.53-0.87) and assessments leading to no indication for follow-up (OR: 0.22, CI: 0.13-0.39) were significantly less frequent, while there was a significant increase of cases featuring organic comorbidities (OR: 1.24, CI: 1.00-1.52) and suicidal ideation/self-harm/suicide attempt (OR: 1,71, CI: 1.19-2.45) or psychomotor agitation (OR: 1.46, CI: 1.02-2.07) as reason for admission. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed an increase in ER psychiatric consultations compared to the previous year, underlying the increased psychological distress caused by the lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Beghi
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Dependencies, AUSL Romagna, Piazzale Giommi, 47521, Cesena, Italy.
| | - Silvia Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Biondi
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Dependencies, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy ,Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Psychiatry Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Brandolini
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Dependencies, AUSL Romagna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Claudia Corsini
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Dependencies, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Paoli
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Dependencies, AUSL Romagna, Piazzale Giommi, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - Rosa Patrizia Sant’Angelo
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Dependencies, AUSL Romagna, Piazzale Giommi, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - Carlo Fraticelli
- Department of Mental Health and Addictions, ASST Lariana, Como, Italy
| | - Ilaria Casolaro
- Department of Mental Health and Addictions, ASST Lariana, Como, Italy
| | - Mikhail Zinchuk
- Moscow Research and Clinical Centre for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Evgenii Pashnin
- Moscow Research and Clinical Centre for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Lina Urh
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, GSD Research and Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Castelpietra
- Outpatient and Inpatient Care Service, Central Health Directorate, Region Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trieste, Italy
| | - Cesare Maria Cornaggia
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, GSD Research and Hospital, Milan, Italy
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23
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Hu W, Su L, Li D, Zhou Y, Zhu J. Risk of First-Episode Schizophrenia in Aged Adults Increased During COVID-19 Outbreak. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021; 21:1-11. [PMID: 34658681 PMCID: PMC8508402 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00671-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We noticed an unusual increase of aged adults in first-episode schizophrenia in January and February 2020 since the outbreak of COVID-19. This retrospective study aims to statistically validate this observation and find potential risk factors, if applicable. The demographics of schizophrenia in outpatients (both first-episode and follow-up) from January to March 2020 (36,624 records) and similar periods of 2017-2019 (114,141 records) were analyzed and compared to minimize seasonal influence. Limited personal information (age, gender, approximate residence) was investigated to find risk factors. After considering seasonal factors such as the Spring festival, the age of the first-episode schizophrenia was significantly increased in January (46.60 ± 15.14) and February (51.53 ± 14.74) but went back to normal in March 2020 (38.89 ± 14.59), compared with similar periods from 2017 to 2019 (Jan., 40.77 ± 15.26; Feb., 39.69 ± 15.10; Mar., 42.04 ± 15.83). Meanwhile, a slight but not significant change was found in the distribution of gender and approximate residence (urban/suburb). Our data supported that risk of first-episode schizophrenia in aged adults increased during the COVID-19 outbreak, which is consistent with the fact that COVID-19 is more lethal to elders. Public healthcare should prepare in advance for potential risks in public mental health, especially for elders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hu
- The Affiliated Xuzhou Eastern Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu China
| | - Li Su
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavior Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Deyong Li
- The Affiliated Xuzhou Eastern Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- The Affiliated Xuzhou Eastern Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu China
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24
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Balestrieri M, Rucci P, Amendola D, Bonizzoni M, Cerveri G, Colli C, Da Re M, Dragogna F, Ducci G, Elmo MG, Ghio L, Grasso F, Locatelli C, Mencacci C, Monaco L, Nicotra A, Piccinini G, Toscano M, Vaggi M, Villari V, Vitalucci A, Castelpietra G, Bondi E. Trends in Consultations for Schizophrenia and Non-affective Psychoses in Italian Emergency Departments During and After the 2020 COVID-19 Lockdown. SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN OPEN 2021. [PMCID: PMC8524508 DOI: 10.1093/schizbullopen/sgab045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Aims
To analyze the hospital emergency department (HED) consultations for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders in nine Italian hospitals during the 2020 lockdown and postlockdown periods, compared to the equivalent periods in 2019.
Methods
Characteristics of consultations, patients, and drug prescriptions were analyzed. Joinpoint models were used to identify changes in the weekly trend of consultations.
Results
During the 2020 lockdown the overall number of HED consultations for schizophrenia decreased by 40.7% and after the lockdown by 12.2% compared with 2019. No difference was found in the proportion of consultations that led to GHPU admissions or compulsory admissions. Suicidality rates did not differ across the two years, with the exception of ideations and plans (+5.9%) during the postlockdown period. We found an increase in benzodiazepine prescriptions in 2020 during the lockdown and postlockdown periods (+10.6% and +20.8%, respectively), and a decrease of prescriptions for short-acting sedative agents in the postlockdown period (–7.9%). An increase in the weekly trend of consultations occurred from March 11 to 17 (week 11) till June 26 to 30 (week 26). As a result, the initial gap in the number of consultations between the 2 years canceled out at the end of June.
Conclusions
HED consultation rate for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders declined consistent with that of other psychiatric disorders. In the postlockdown period, the growth of suicidal ideation/planning and increase in the prescriptions of anxiolytic-sedating drugs may foreshadow that for some schizophrenia patients the exit from the lockdown period is not liberating, but rather a source of agitation or perturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Balestrieri
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Paola Rucci
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Amendola
- Servizio Psichiatrico Diagnosi e Cura, Dipartimento Salute Mentale, ASL Sa/2, Salerno, Italy
| | - Miki Bonizzoni
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, ASST Lodi, Lodi, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Colli
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Maria Da Re
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Filippo Dragogna
- Department of Mental Health-Addiction and Neuroscience, ASST Fbf-Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ducci
- Dipartimento Salute Mentale ASL Roma 1 – SPDC Ospedale San Filippo Neri, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Giuseppa Elmo
- Dipartimento Salute Mentale ASL Roma 1 – SPDC Ospedale San Filippo Neri, Roma, Italy
| | - Lucio Ghio
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, ASL3, Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Grasso
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, ASST Lodi, Lodi, Italy
| | - Clara Locatelli
- Department of Psychiatry, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Claudio Mencacci
- Department of Mental Health-Addiction and Neuroscience, ASST Fbf-Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | - Leonardo Monaco
- Dipartimento Salute Mentale ASL Roma 1 – SPDC Ospedale San Filippo Neri, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Nicotra
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Marco Toscano
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, ASST Rhodense, Garbagnate Milanese, Italy
| | - Marco Vaggi
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, ASL3, Genova, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Villari
- SC Psichiatria SPDC, Dipartimento Neuroscienze e Salute Mentale AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Alberto Vitalucci
- SC Psichiatria SPDC, Dipartimento Neuroscienze e Salute Mentale AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Giulio Castelpietra
- Outpatient and Inpatient Care Service, Central Health Directorate, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Trieste, Italy
| | - Emi Bondi
- Department of Psychiatry, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
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