"COVID-19 spreads round the planet, and so do paranoid thoughts". A qualitative investigation into personal experiences of psychosis during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to affect people who have had previous experiences of psychosis – either positively or negatively. A research gap exists in looking at qualitative experiences of the pandemic. In the present study, we address the research gap in those who self-identified as having psychosis via Reddit discussion forum posts, collecting data from a popular online community. Sixty-five posts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Five overarching themes were identifie; declining mental health, changed psychosis experiences, personal coping experiences, social connectedness and disconnectedness, and COVID-19 as a metaphor. The data show that there are varied experiences associated with the pandemic. People who have experiences of psychosis do not only have vulnerabilities but may also perceive themselves as having strengths that allow them to cope better.

How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect the personal lives and care realities of people with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder? A qualitative interview study

“…Participants furthermore suggested that the pandemic situation allowed people without a diagnosis of an SSD to experience certain aspects of this condition first-hand, thereby potentially increasing future understanding and empathy for those with SSDs. This parallels findings from a study by Lyons et al (2021), who analysed Reddit discussion forum posts by people self-identifying as having psychosis. These authors also reported a pattern amongst Reddit posts, whereby the COVID-19 pandemic was perceived as a useful metaphor for explaining psychotic experiences.…”

“…Main theme 3 captures a complex interplay of having an SSD and living through the pandemic. A personal history of psychosis was perceived as both, a strength and a burden, in navigating the pandemic situation, paralleling previous qualitative results in people with psychosis (Lyons et al, 2021). On the one hand, participants saw similarities between a personal psychotic crisis and a public health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

The role of defense styles and psychopathological symptoms on adherence to conspiracy theories during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…In contrast, denial of COVID-19 as a threat and refusal of vaccines motivated by CT might paradoxically allow individuals to tolerate worries and uncertainty by perceiving personal control over the situation, maladaptively refusing preventive measures and adherence to public health measures 1 – 3 , 16 , 39 . Furthermore, previous studies confirmed the association between beliefs in CT and psychosis or psychotic-like experiences 41 , 42 . Overall, several CT have no credible evidence and are based on inaccurate and frequently illogical thoughts.…”

Influences on the physical and mental health of people with serious mental ill-health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative interview study

“…However, an increase in health risk behaviours (Peckham et al, 2021 ) and worsening in physical health (Melamed et al, 2020 ) is of equal concern, especially for people with severe mental ill health. A number of qualitative studies have begun to shed light on the possible causes of this deterioration (Burton et al, 2021 ; Gillard et al, 2021 ; Lyons et al, 2021 ). The findings from this study add to our understanding of this issue but also highlight the ways in which people with severe mental ill health have looked after their health, by drawing on their own resources, strategies and support networks.…”