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Karanci AN, Ikizer G, Aldemir İD, Bilgehan A, Karagöz C. How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect individuals with schizophrenia from Turkey? Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:277-285. [PMID: 35311388 PMCID: PMC10076154 DOI: 10.1177/00207640221081800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serious mental illness, including schizophrenia, have been shown to be associated with psychosocial vulnerabilities in the face of adverse events. While individuals with schizophrenia might undergo many psychosocial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, they might also not be affected, or report increased subjective well-being. This suggests that it is important to understand diverse impacts and further understand the unique experiences. METHODS To capture how the pandemic affected them and how they handled the challenges if there were any in the initial and more recent phases of the pandemic, 18 individuals with schizophrenia living in Turkey were interviewed. RESULTS Thematic analysis of interviews resulted in four superordinate themes for both time points. Three themes related to the impact of the pandemic (i.e. burdens of COVID-19, positive impacts of COVID-19, no impact of COVID-19) indicated that they shared a number of challenges with the general population. Themes about the positive impacts and no impact also replicated the previous findings in this clinical population. One last theme named as facilitators of coping implied that the participants tried to deal with the burdens by using available resources, adapt to the changes in their daily living, and benefit from social interaction and support. CONCLUSIONS To conclude, people with schizophrenia seem to be coping with challenges posed by the pandemic with diverse strategies and they seem to even experience psychological growth alongside with negative impacts. The individualized needs and potential for growth have pivotal implications for the management of the illness during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Nuray Karanci
- Department of Psychology, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gözde Ikizer
- Department of Psychology, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Ayça Bilgehan
- Department of Psychology, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cansu Karagöz
- Department of Psychology, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
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Goddard KS, Schulz J, Nzuki I, Hall JP. Examining the Impacts of the Coronavirus Pandemic and Social Distancing on the Health of People With Mobility Disabilities. Front Public Health 2022; 10:875880. [PMID: 35570911 PMCID: PMC9092371 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.875880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To understand the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the health and participation of people with mobility disabilities living in the community. Methods Participants responded to a survey designed to assess the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on their health and access to health care. Participants identified if various life situations were worsened, unchanged, or improved during the pandemic. Participants could provide further information on their improved or worsened lived experience in open-ended questions. Results A total of 39 people with mobility disabilities responded to the survey. Results indicate that many experienced a worsening of life situations related to health, including access to medications, health care services, and transportation. Conclusions Results show that many experiences were caused by the lack of appropriate policies, rather than the pandemic itself. Therefore, there is a need to modify pandemic preparedness plans and other policies to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Shinnick Goddard
- Research and Training Center on Independent Living, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Jonathan Schulz
- Research and Training Center on Independent Living, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States.,Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Isaac Nzuki
- Research and Training Center on Independent Living, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Jean P Hall
- Research and Training Center on Independent Living, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
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Wilhelm K, Handley T, McHugh C, Lowenstein D, Arrold K. The Quality of Internet Websites for People Experiencing Psychosis: Pilot Expert Assessment. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e28135. [PMID: 35436206 PMCID: PMC9055477 DOI: 10.2196/28135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clinicians need to be able to assess the quality of the available information to aid clinical decision-making. The internet has become an important source of health information for consumers and their families. Objective This study aimed to rate the quality of websites with psychosis-related information (to provide clinicians with a basis for recommending material to guide clinical decision-making with consumers and their families), using a validated instrument as well as a purpose-developed checklist, and consider improvement in quality over a 4-year period. Methods Two measures of website quality were used: the DISCERN scale and the Psychosis Website Quality Checklist (PWQC). Terms related to psychosis, including “psychotic,” “psychosis,” “schizophrenia,” “delusion,” and “hallucination,” were entered into Google, and the first 25 results were analyzed. In total, 6 raters with varying health professional backgrounds were used to evaluate the websites across two time points: January-March 2014 and January-March 2018. Results Of the 25 websites rated, only the 6 highest ranked websites achieved a DISCERN score, indicating that they were of “good” quality (51-62 out of a possible 75), while the mean score of the websites (mean 43.96, SD 12.08) indicated an overall “fair” quality. The PWQC revealed that websites scored highly on “availability and usability” (mean 16.82, SD 3.96) but poorly on “credibility” (mean 20.99, SD 6.68), “currency” (mean 5.16, SD 2.62), and “breadth and accuracy” (mean 77.87, SD 23.20). Most sites lacked information about early intervention, recreational drug use and suicide risk, with little change in content over time. Stating an editorial or review process on the website (found in 56% of websites) was significantly associated with a higher quality score on both scales (the DISCERN scale, P=.002; the PWQC, P=.006). Conclusions The information on the internet available for clinicians to recommend to people affected by psychosis tended to be of “fair” quality. While higher-quality websites exist, it is generally not easy way to assess this on face value. Evidence of an editorial or review process was one indicator of website quality. While sites generally provided basic clinical information, most lacked material addressing weighing up risks and benefits of medication and alternatives, the role of coercive treatment and other more contentious issues. Insufficient emphasis is placed on detailed information on early intervention and importance of lifestyle modifications or how families and friends can contribute. These are likely to be the very answers that consumers and carers are seeking and this gap contributes to unmet needs among this group. We suggest that clinicians should be aware of what is available and where there are gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Wilhelm
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tonelle Handley
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, Australia
| | | | - David Lowenstein
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Zare-Bidaki M, Ehteshampour A, Reisaliakbarighomi M, Mazinani R, Khodaie Ardakani MR, Mirabzadeh A, Alikhani R, Noroozi M, Momeni F, Samani AD, Mehrabi Tavana MM, Esmaeili A, Mousavi SB. Evaluating the Effects of Experiencing Virtual Reality Simulation of Psychosis on Mental Illness Stigma, Empathy, and Knowledge in Medical Students. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:880331. [PMID: 35656349 PMCID: PMC9152122 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.880331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Applying technologies such as virtual reality (VR) in education has gained popularity especially in comprehending abstract and subjective phenomena. Previous studies have shown that applying a virtual reality simulation of psychosis (VRSP) is useful in increasing knowledge and empathy toward patients. Here, the efficacy of using VRSP in altering stigma, empathy and knowledge as well as side effects have been assessed in medical students in comparison with the routine education (visiting the patients). METHOD After attending one session of lecture about positive psychotic symptoms, medical students were allocated to two groups: experiencing one session of VRSP or visiting patients under supervision as routine practice in the ward. Before and after the first session and after the second one, questionnaires of knowledge, empathy and stigma were filled by students. Finally, the results were compared in two groups. RESULTS Both interventions were effective in reducing stigma as well as increasing knowledge and empathy toward patients with psychotic experiences. VRSP could significantly reduce stigma and increase knowledge and empathy compared with the traditional visiting patients under supervision. The side effects were minimal and ameliorated right after the experience. CONCLUSION VRSP is an effective tool in decreasing stigma and increasing empathy and knowledge of the students and can be incorporated in psychiatric education with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Zare-Bidaki
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Alireza Ehteshampour
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Robabeh Mazinani
- Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Arash Mirabzadeh
- Psychiatry Department, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rosa Alikhani
- Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Noroozi
- Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Momeni
- Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Dehghani Samani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Aliakbar Esmaeili
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Imam Reza Hospital, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Psychiatry and Behavioral Science Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - S Bentolhoda Mousavi
- Psychiatry Department, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Risk Factors for Relapse in People with Severe Mental Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Retrospective Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 10:healthcare10010064. [PMID: 35052228 PMCID: PMC8775518 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Evidence suggests that different variables associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may increase the risk of relapse in people with Severe Mental Disorders (SMDs). However, no studies have yet looked closely at the different risk factors involved to determine their influence on the worsening of these patients’ illnesses. Objective: To analyze which variables related to the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the risk of relapse in patients with SMDs. Method: A multicenter retrospective cohort study in which data were collected from 270 patients with mental disorders who had been under follow-up in day hospitals during the year 2020. Results: The proportion of full mental health inpatient admissions was significantly higher in those who lost their employment (40.7% vs. 18.1%; p = 0.01), in those who were not receiving psychotherapy interventions (33.9% vs. 16.6%; p = 0.006), and in those who were not receiving occupational therapy (25.7% vs. 13.6%: p = 0.013). Significant associations were detected between urgent mental health consultations, the number of COVID-19 symptoms (B = 0.274; p = 0.02), and the low-income group (1.2424 vs. 0.4583; p = 0.018). Conclusions: COVID-19 symptoms and certain consequences of the pandemic, such as loss of employment, economic hardship, and loss of interventions, have brought about clinical worsening in people with SMDs. Knowledge of these factors is important for health-related decision-making in future outbreaks or pandemics.
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Saeed F, Mihan R, Mousavi SZ, Reniers RL, Bateni FS, Alikhani R, Mousavi SB. A Narrative Review of Stigma Related to Infectious Disease Outbreaks: What Can Be Learned in the Face of the Covid-19 Pandemic? Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:565919. [PMID: 33343414 PMCID: PMC7738431 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.565919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious disease pandemics are associated with social consequences and stigma that are noticeably similar in various health conditions, health systems, and cultures. Stigma impacts health-related outcomes, not only as a barrier to receiving the timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment but also as an important variable that increases mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The COVID-19 outbreak has been associated with stigma too. Studying similarities as well as differences in the features of stigma observed in each outbreak can provide us with the knowledge and deeper understanding of the situation, which is necessary for approaching the issue comprehensively. The stigma needs to be addressed rigorously by professionals and health care providers as well as authorities. Here, we narratively review stigma due to some well-known infectious diseases and how it parallels to the current COVID-19 situation. After discussing its effects on both individuals and societies, we provide solutions to manage this important issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Saeed
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronak Mihan
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Zeinab Mousavi
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Renate Lep Reniers
- Institute of Clinical Sciences & Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Fatemeh Sadat Bateni
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rosa Alikhani
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Bentolhoda Mousavi
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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