Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Psychotic Disorders: Review of the Literature and Case Series

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has impacted healthcare delivery across every setting and patient population since it began ravaging our communities in the early part of 2020. The impact of the pandemic has propelled changes in healthcare delivery incorporating new technologies and resulting at times to interruptions in care and impacting access to treatment. The aim of this study is to understand the various ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental health overall and particularly in those with psychotic disorders who are particularly vulnerable to disruptions in their access to care and to their usual routines. There is evidence that mental health is negatively affected during epidemics and public health crises. The unique nature and scale of the COVID-19 pandemic in modern times presents an opportunity to learn more about the challenges faced by our patients and improvements that can be made in the delivery of mental health care.

Impact of COVID-19 on Neuropsychiatric Disorders

“…Psychotic disorders may be accompanied by mood disturbances and can be caused by [ 50 ]. In the U.S., between 0.25% and 0.64% of the population is diagnosed with a psychotic disorder [ 51 ]. However, over the course of the pandemic, the incidence of psychotic disorders and symptoms has risen [ 51 ].…”

“…In the U.S., between 0.25% and 0.64% of the population is diagnosed with a psychotic disorder [ 51 ]. However, over the course of the pandemic, the incidence of psychotic disorders and symptoms has risen [ 51 ]. Moreover, the risk of psychosis among individuals with COVID-19 is higher than the average population, with between 0.9% and 4% of individuals with COVID-19 experiencing psychosis [ 51 ].…”

“…As among individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, services and supports for individuals with psychotic disorders were severely disrupted over the course of the pandemic. In addition, because of the symptoms and vulnerabilities associated with psychotic disorders, this population is highly vulnerable to the changes in routine and access to care caused by the COVID-19 pandemic [ 51 ]. Individuals with psychotic disorders may have experienced disruptions in their access to medication and face-to-face services [ 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ].…”

“…In addition, because of the symptoms and vulnerabilities associated with psychotic disorders, this population is highly vulnerable to the changes in routine and access to care caused by the COVID-19 pandemic [ 51 ]. Individuals with psychotic disorders may have experienced disruptions in their access to medication and face-to-face services [ 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. These changes and barriers to services caused significant decompensation among many individuals with psychotic disorders and were also associated with increased paranoia and anxiety [ 51 , 52 ].…”

“…Individuals with psychotic disorders may have experienced disruptions in their access to medication and face-to-face services [ 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. These changes and barriers to services caused significant decompensation among many individuals with psychotic disorders and were also associated with increased paranoia and anxiety [ 51 , 52 ]. Decompensation refers to a significant deterioration in psychological functioning and an increase in severity of symptoms that is not typical [ 51 ].…”