The COVID-19 Global Pandemic: Implications for People With Schizophrenia and Related Disorders

• Published in: Schizophrenia Bulletin Vol. 46; no. 4; pp. 752 - 757
• Main Authors: Kozloff, Nicole, Mulsant, Benoit H, Stergiopoulos, Vicky, Voineskos, Aristotle N
• Format: Journal Article Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 08.07.2020
• Subjects: Ambulatory Care; At Issue; Betacoronavirus; Continuity of Patient Care; Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology; COVID-19; Delivery of Health Care - methods; Hospitalization; Humans; Mental Health Services - organization & administration; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2; Schizophrenia - epidemiology; Schizophrenia - therapy; Schizophrenic Psychology; Telemedicine; COVID-19; coronavirus; schizophrenia; public health
• ISSN: 0586-7614; 1745-1701
• DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbaa051

Abstract The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) global pandemic has already had an unprecedented impact on populations around the world, and is anticipated to have a disproportionate burden on people with schizophrenia and related disorders. We discuss the implications of the COVID-19 global pandemic with respect to: (1) increased risk of infection and poor outcomes among people with schizophrenia, (2) anticipated adverse mental health consequences for people with schizophrenia, (3) considerations for mental health service delivery in inpatient and outpatient settings, and (4) potential impact on clinical research in schizophrenia. Recommendations emphasize rapid implementation of measures to both decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission and maintain continuity of clinical care and research to preserve safety of both people with schizophrenia and the public.