Antidepressant Compliance in Depression during the COVID Pandemic: Correspondence

Abstract

Dear Editor, We would like to share ideas on “Antidepressant compliance in depression during the COVID pandemic: Identifying the potential poor compliers in an industrial hospital.[1]” Chakraborty performed a study to compare poor antidepressant compliance during a pandemic between two groups, pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 groups. According to this study, participants who came for prescription refill than consultation had poorer compliance and the presence of death wish or suicidal ideas was higher during the COVID-19 period.[1] Chakraborty noted that “Thestudyhighlightstheimportanceofdoctor–patientrelationshipandrecommends….relativestocollectmedicine.[1]” We agree that COVID-19 outbreak has several impacts on patient care. However, a direct comparison between pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 groups has to consider the effect of confounding factors. For example, consultation system during pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 might be different. A method to delivery consultation and period for consultation might be changed during the COVID-19 period. For the management of patients with depression, the lockdown can result in loss of follow-up and aggravating of psychiatric symptom. For the management of the problem, it is usually difficult. Although it is suggested that patient should visit to clinical center to get care,[1] it is usually impossible when a complete lockdown policy is used. As Chakraborty noted, doctor − patient relationship is important for good compliance. How to maintain a good doctor − patient relationship during a COVID-19 crisis is a challenge. A good consultation is an important key factor for maintaining good doctor − patient relationship. The alternative pathways, including telemedicine services, should be considered for providing good consultation during the COVID-19 period. For telemedicine,[2] it might or might not useful in several settings. According to a recent study by Mazziotti and Rutigliano, using tele-mental health could support coping with public crises, but lack of skill in digitization was an important problem.[2] Another alternative mean is active case support by the local medical center. An active psychological team might be setting to support and giving care to the patient at home during the crisis. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest Authors ask for waiving for any charge for this correspondence.