SCHIZOPHRENIA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is seriously affecting healthcare systems all over the world as well as public mental health; nevertheless, evidence about the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on people with schizophrenia and the emergence of psychotic symptoms is just now starting to emerge. Schi Recent findings : zophrenia patients exhibit worse COVID-19-related outcomes, including mortality, and are more susceptible to the disease. They exhibit minimal levels of knowledge and worry about the likelihood of infection, but they also displayed signicantly stable levels of psychotic symptoms and even an improvement in subjective well-being during the epidemic. In some cases, the onset of psychotic symptoms appears to be related to SARS-CoV-2, extended social isolation, and the propagation of false information. Clinicians should advise and educate their patient Summary: s on the hazards associated with COVID-19 and the SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as the steps that should be taken to prevent spreading the disease. Maintaining continuity of care is very important, especially for frail patients. Face-to-face visits are sometimes still necessary, despite the fact that telemedicine may be a useful help. Since viral involvement of the central nervous system appears to be relatively uncommon in COVID-19, the idea that viral infection directly contributes to the emergence of psychotic illnesses is currently under discussion