Telepsychiatry in the Time of the COVID-19 and Earthquake in Zagreb as Odysseus between Scylla and Charybdis

• Published in: Psychiatria Danubina Vol. 32; no. 3-4; pp. 478 - 481
• Main Authors: Šago, Daniela, Martić, Višnja, Šmida, Dominik, Mayer, Nina, Lovretić, Vanja, Filipčić, Igor
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Croatia 01.01.2020
• Subjects: COVID-19; Earthquakes; Humans; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Telemedicine
• ISSN: 0353-5053
• DOI: 10.24869/psyd.2020.478

In this paper we would like to reveal some of the many challenges during the time of the twofold simultaneous trauma; the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating earthquake in Zagreb. We described the functioning mode of two Day Hospitals for Early Intervention and Psychotic Disorders at Psychiatric Hospital "Sveti Ivan" during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. We tried to find ways to ensure the necessary continuation of treatment and to provide continuity in times of uncertainty. The vulnerable group of people treated for mental illnesses faced exceptional psychological demands and was in need for care in these moments. Telemedicine, more specifically telepsychiatry, through online therapy and telephone communication made it possible for people treated for psychotic disorders not to feel isolated and rejected. Health care professionals, in a state of distress themselves, should understand, support, be able to reduce anxiety, and provide stability and constancy. The psychotherapeutic approach and the capacity for mentalization allowed us to turn challenges into opportunities. Rapid changes without delay extended our scope of practice in these extraordinarily difficult times.