Influencing factors of negative conversion time of nucleic acid detection in 228 patients infected with Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in Shanghai

Objective: To analyze and compare the effects of different clinical characteristics on the negative conversion time of nucleic acid detection after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant infection, and to provide a scientific basis for the isolation and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: The epidemiological and clinical data of 228 mild SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infected patients diagnosed in Shanghai were retrospectively collected from April 27, 2022 to June 8, 2022 in Wujiaochang designated Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai. The negative conversion time of nucleic acid detection was used as the outcome variable, and the patients were divided into A (18 days) and B (>18 days). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors of the negative conversion time of nucleic acid detection. Results: The mean nucleic acid conversion time of 228 patients was (18.7+or-12.1) d, with the median time of 18 (2-46) d. Among them, 120 patients in group A had an average nucleic acid conversion time of (13.2+or-2.0) d, and 108 cases in group B had an average nucleic acid conversion time of (20.8+or-1.3) d. Univariate analysis showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the effects of hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypokalemia, malignant tumors, neuropsychiatric diseases, chronic digestive diseases on the negative nucleic acid conversion time (P > 0.05);however, there were significant differences in the effects of combined cerebrovascular disease, leukopenia, chronic respiratory system diseases and vaccination on the negative nucleic acid conversion time (P < 0.05). Further multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the combination of chronic respiratory diseases and non-vaccination were significant risk factors for prolongation of negative nucleic acid conversion time (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study show that gender, age and whether hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypokalemia, malignant tumor, neuropsychiatric disease and chronic digestive disease have no significant effect on the nucleic acid conversion time, whereas chronic respiratory disease and no vaccination are significantly correlated with the prolongation of nucleic acid conversion time in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-infected patients.

Financial Crisis and its Effect on Psychological Well-Being, Health, Satisfaction, and Financial Incapability, A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: The decline in GDP caused by the global economic recession of 2008 and that caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the poor economy of countries around the globe with increased rates of unemployment and adverse job conditions. This systematic review aims to identify the impact of a Financial crisis on Psychological well-being, Life satisfaction, Health Satisfaction, and Financial Incapability. Methodology: The literature included in the review was searched from Feb 1, 2023, to March 26, 2023, by using the PUBMED database as the search engine. Studies discussing the impact of the financial or economic crisis on psychological well-being, Health, Life satisfaction, and Financial Incapabilities published in the English Language were included in this review whereas systematic reviews and metanalysis, case reports, articles published in languages other than English and articles with limited access were excluded. Result(s): Of the 26 articles found eligible for the study, there were 22 Quantitative studies, 2 qualitative studies, and 2 Mixed Method Studies. Most of the articles included in this study discussed the Global Economic crisis caused by COVID-19 and the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. Almost 80% of the studies included in this review discussed psychological well-being and the prevalence of psychological disorders including Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Fear, Loneliness, Burnout, and Suicide whereas the rest of the articles discussed mortality regarding mental disorders. Conclusion(s): Financial crisis or economic recession results in an increased prevalence of common mental disorders affecting psychological well-being by increasing rates of unemployment and adverse job conditions. Policymakers with competitive financial behavior and knowledge are essential elements for psychological well-being and life satisfaction.Copyright © 2023 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.

Relationship between social support and psychological resilience and post-traumatic stress disorder in college students

Objective To investigate the characteristics of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in college students during the outbreak of COVID-19, and to explore the mediating role of psychological resilience between social support and PTSD. Methods By using direct selection method, 572 college students in Anhui and Shanghai were selected and administered with General Characteristics Questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version(PCL-C), Psychological Resilience Scale(PRS) and Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS). Results Among the participants, 25.0% had moderate PTSD symptoms, 11.7% had obvious PTSD symptoms, and the positive rate of PTSD was 36.7%. The prevalence of PTSD in college students was higher in males than in females (X2=4.31, P < 0.05). The junior students were higher than other students (X2=16.81, P < 0.01). The scores of social support, psychological resilience and PTSD were (33.79+or-4.83), (92.17+or-13.39) and (35.50+or-11.39), respectively. The correlations of all variables were statistically significant(r=-0.49-0.76, P < 0.05);The mediation test showed that social support could not only negatively predict PTSD directly(direct effect was -0.35), but also indirectly affect PTSD through psychological resilience(indirect effect was -0.32). Conclusion More than one third of college students have PTSD symptoms, and psychological resilience plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between social support and PTSD, social support can both directly and negatively predict PTSD and indirectly affect PTSD by increasing an individual's psychological resilience.

Psychological Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had sweeping effects that have disrupted almost every part of society worldwide. In this chapter, we discuss the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We begin with a review of psychological distress and psychiatric symptoms arising with the onset of the pandemic, focusing on the general population as well as specific groups such as children, students, parents, medical providers, essential workers, and disadvantaged populations, among others. We then evaluate the potential impact of the pandemic on suicide and how patterns of adverse psychiatric effects have varied over time. We also provide a comprehensive overview of both risk and protective factors for psychological distress and psychiatric disorders during the pandemic. After a discussion of psychiatric manifestations and sequelae reported in those affected by COVID-19, we conclude with an exploration of putative strategies to promote mental health in a world with COVID-19. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Isolation: An Interactive Animated Trilogy Short Film about Mental Health Awareness during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Mental health is more than the presence or absence of a mental illness. COVID-19 has led to self and social isolation, disconnection from family and friends. More people than ever are experiencing feelings of helplessness, isolation, grief, anxiety, and depression. In such cases, the team took advantage of the opportunity to raise mental health awareness by developing a trilogy of interactive short films with a website that would support the project's purpose. The film has three characters with different stories, namely Marion;a college student who is struggling to adjust to his new average experience from his online class and Kayla;a nurse who is also a mother of three children, who must participate in treating the patients with COVID at the hospital, and Marie;an OFW who works from Saudi Arabia wants to go home to visit her family. The study also intends to explore the impact of coping strategies and perceived social support on one's ability to handle social isolation stress. Each of the characters' stories will represent the different outlook on possible mental health symptoms that everyone has experienced during the pandemic. The stories presented in the film will be based on real-life circumstances and experiences of people who have lived through the pandemic. The story aims to give hope to its viewers on what lies ahead of the pandemic. Upon testing the produced output, the study results show that most people only have a general idea when it comes to the topic of mental health issues. The study also yielded that the project has spread and increased awareness about the topic under study. Although the project could attain its specific goals and adjectives, the best and only conclusion is to seek professional help from credible and trusted experts in their respective health fields. © 2022 IEEE.

The danger of inappropriate use of personal protective equipment

The coronavirus pandemic is a global health emergency which has had widespread unforeseen mental health consequences. Those with borderline personality disorder are predisposed to poor coping strategies to manage such stress and require intense psychological input which was not widely available during the peak of the pandemic. It is likely that the coronavirus outbreak has had a significant impact on the mental stability of such patients aggravating deliberate self-harm behaviours. A 20-year old psychiatric in-patient with borderline personality disorder, held under Section III of the mental health act, presented to the adult plastic surgery team in Bristol with localised infection of her right forearm. Foreign bodies were easily palpable and imaging revealed linear metal objects. The patient reported that she had removed metal strips from her collection of face masks and inserted them into her forearm as an act of deliberate self-harm. The patient was taken to operating theatre for removal of these foreign bodies under general anaesthetic. After twenty-four hours of antibiotics she was discharged safely back to the psychiatric ward. Despite the epilogue of the COVID-19 pandemic facemasks are still mandatory within the hospital setting. Clinicians need to be aware of these unusual circumstances where a form of protective equipment was deconstructed to cause actual bodily harm. The purpose of this report is to promote awareness of this type of injury especially in those suffering from mental illness. The authors would suggest an alternative mask without any form of metal.

Fears and anxieties of pregnant women facing the pandemic

Pregnancy and the entire mothering process is always a very big challenge, which involves physical and emotional changes in women. Currently, with the numbers of cases confirmed by COVID-19 growing every day in our city, everything is uncertain. This whole scenario brought many anxieties, concerns and ques- tions. This is no different with pregnant women, on the contrary, their fears and anxieties have multiplied during this period. The project, through a field study, aimed to assess the emotional state of the pregnant woman in relation to the pandemic COVID-19. A quantitative research was carried out, with the application of a virtual questionnaire prepared by the author herself. 39 pregnant women who are monitoring their prenatal care at a clinic in the city of Tres Coracoes - MG were interviewed. The research appli- cation was released with an opinion embodied under the number of CAAE 39410820.9.0000.5158 and authorization from the res- ponsible nurse, where the contact phones of the pregnant women were noted so that the questionnaire could be applied in a virtual way, through the Google Forms platform, after the term agree- ment. It was found that psychological disorders appeared in 51.3% of the study population and 48.7% who already had some disorder such as anxiety and depression stated that their clinical condition worsened with the pandemic. This target audience is a group considered at risk by the World Health Organization. It should be given full support and support, through guidance on preventive measures and complete assistance by a multidiscipli- nary team.

Relationship between attentional Bias, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in primary and middle school students

Objective: To investigate the relationship between negative attentional bias and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) in the context of higher depression and anxiety symptoms after the outbreak of COVID-19, so as to provide scientific basis for mental health education in primary and secondary schools. Methods: From March to April 2021, a total of 708 students from primary school and junior high school (grade 6 through grade 9) in Beijing, Shanxi, Hunan, Shandong, Hebei, Hubei of China were selected. The Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale(CRIES), the Attention to Positive and Negative Information Scale (APNI)and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21(DASS-21) were used in a questionnaire survey. Results: A total of 242 students were diagnosed with PTSD, and the detection rate was 34.2%. The scores of intrusion and high arousal of boys(7.92+or-5.33, 8.60+or-5.41) were lower than those of girls(8.72+or-4.85, 9.50+or-4.76), and the difference was statistically significant (t=-2.04, -2.32, P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences of negative attention bias, CRIES score, intrusion, debarb and high arousal among primary and middle school students of different grades (F=3.57, 5.99, 4.45, 4.60, 7.40, P < 0.05). Negative attention bias, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms were significantly positively correlated (r=0.27-0.84, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that anxiety (OR=1.13, 95%CI=1.06-1.20) and negative attention bias (OR=1.10, 95%CI=1.07-1.12) were positively associated with PTSD symptoms in primary and middle school students(P < 0.01). Conclusion: Anxiety and depressive symptoms show impacts on negative attention bias and might exacerbate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, emotional adjustments can help reduce the post-traumatic stress response in the post-epidemic period.

Influence of socio-demographic factors on perceived stress in outpatients with depression and anxiety in remission during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: The study aimed at identifying the influence of socio-demographic factors on perceived stress during the first and the second "waves" of the COVID-19 pandemic among patients with depression and anxiety in remission compared to controls. Method: The study was designed as case-control, cross-sectional and non-interventional, and included 60 outpatients with depressive and anxiety disorders in remission and 60 controls with or without family history of affective disorder. A self-assessment scale (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS-10) was used to evaluate perceived stress. The remission was objectified by the Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI-S 2) and a questionnaire about the socio-demographic features and clinical characteristics of the disorders was completed. Results: By using multiple logistic regression, it was found that the diagnostic category and/or the relevant family history did not predict higher levels of perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic (p > 0.05). Females were associated with higher risk of moderate or high stress (OR=2.613, p=0.017), as well as those working from home during the pandemic (OR=4.00, p=0.026). Conclusions: Addressing the COVID-19 effects on mental health in a biopsychosocial manner, the study shows the impact of socio-demographic factors such as gender and work environment in times of a psychosocial crisis. The lack of differences in stress perception by the patients in remission and healthy controls implicates the importance of adequate maintenance treatment and easy access to mental health services in times of crisis.

Association Between COVID-19 Pandemic and Serious Mental Illness: Systematic Review within Salutogenesis Model for Public Health Management

Background: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the constant transformation of the SARS-COV-2 virus form, exposure to substantial psychosocial stress, environmental change, and isolation have led to the inference that the overall population's mental health could be affected, resulting in an increase in cases of psychosis. Objective(s): We initiated a systematic review to determine the impact of the SARS-COV-2 virus and its long-term effects-in both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases-on people with or without psychosis. We envisioned that this would give us an insight into effective clinical intervention methods for patients with psychosis during and after the pandemic. Method(s): We selected fifteen papers that met our inclusion criteria, i.e., those that considered participants with or without psychiatric illness and exposed to SARS-COV-2 infection, for this review and were retrieved via Google, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, and PsychINFO Database. Key Gap: There is a dearth of research in understanding how COVID-19 affects people with or without a prior personal history of psychosis. Result(s): The systematic review summary provides insight into the state of knowledge. Insights from the systematic review have also been reviewed from the salutogenesis model's perspec-tive. There is moderate evidence of new-onset psychosis during the COVID-19 pandemic in which some antipsychotics treated the psychotic symptoms of patients while treating for COVID-19. Suggestions and recommendations are made for preventive and promotive public health strategies. Conclusion(s): The Salutogenesis model and Positive Psychology Interventions (PPI) provide another preventive and promotive public health management approach.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Neurologic presentations of COVID-19: a case series

Introduction: The new pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has evolved certain neurologic syndromes as a presentation of this disease that should be integrated into the whole disease process. Case Presentations: We present cases of neurologic involvement in adult patients with documented bronchopulmonary COVID-19. Certain signs and symptoms are introduced, including new onset seizures, ischemic stroke, and altered mental status in otherwise minimal clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Conclusions: Many neurologic presentations are diagnosed in resolving COVID respiratory infections or in an otherwise asymptomatic individual.

Impact of infodemic on older people mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of older people. One concern is the exposure to a lot of pandemic-related information without any evidence-based background through the media and social networks. This study aimed to examine the effect of exposure to such information on the mental health of older people. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional correlational study. Sampling was focused on selecting older people through a systematic sample according to a random starting point and with a fixed, periodic interval, between late 2020 and early 2021, with a total of 200 participants age above 60 considered as older people. Results: We found that a significant percentage of older people had a high level of clinical symptoms/distress, according to the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) scales. These results show that being exposed COVID-19 information from the media during the pandemic is a risk predictor for mental health/distress, GHQ-28 scores, (OR ExpB = 2.11, p =0.001). Similar results were found for Media Info (OR ExpB = 1.37, p =0.008). For each point increase in media information, the risk for general mental health problems increases 1.37 times. Conclusion: Through the results it was clear that older people are at risk of mental health problems, and being exposed to the infodemic increased this risk significantly, as well as being exposed to media where elevated risk of death from SARS-CoV-2 for older people was reported.

Nobody's child: Managing mental trauma of children with mental health issues

The world has not yet seen the end of COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2. However, as the spate of infection, hospitalization, and death abates, we are limping back to what we used to know as being normal. A new world is emerging, and more of this newness is yet waiting to be discovered. Children are developing differently, parents are unable to provide the necessary psychological and social support, there is hardly any peer interaction yet, and adults in their lives are too preoccupied with their own distresses to give the kind of support a growing child needs. In many situations, children are being allowed to almost fend for themselves in social and familial areas and in the area of cognitive development and these will surely show their true colors in the years to come. On a positive note, the nearly-post-COVID-19 world has witnessed children displaying an array of coping mechanisms leading to post-traumatic growth (PTG). It is heartening to note that the human psyche has the ability to overcome distress and disaster and forge ahead in a positive manner. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

The First Wave of COVID-19 in Forensic Psychiatry: A Rapid Review Series

At the beginning of the pandemic, experts expected an increasing number of hospitalizations in forensic settings, uncontrollable outbreaks of COVID-19, and deterioration of mental health of residents within institutions. Certain publications corroborated these concerns;however, no synthesis of the results of empirical publications at the initial stage of the pandemic has yet been conducted. Three rapid reviews were conducted on these topics. Besides almost a two-fold decrease in the total number of urgent consultations/hospitalizations, there were no changes in the number of involuntary hospitalizations, suicide attempts, and psychoses. The COVID-19 morbidity and mortality rates in secure institutions were compatible with the general population. However, the lockdown period was associated with a significant increase in self-harm in secure settings.

Pathological internet use levels and psychiatric diagnoses in adolescents admitted to a child psychiatry outpatient clinic after face-to-face education restriction due to the pandemic

Introduction: During the period of social restrictions against the pandemic, the screen time of individuals increased significantly, and youths' mental health was adversely affected due to the restriction of peer interactions and physical activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of internet overuse and psychiatric disorders in adolescents who applied to the child psychiatry outpatient clinic after the distance education period. Materials and Methods: A semi-structured tool, "Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version" (K-SADS-PL) was used to assess psychiatric diagnoses and Young Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to determine excessive internet usage. A total of 141 adolescents aged 11-18 years were recruited for this study. Results: The average score for IAT was statistically significantly higher in the youths with social anxiety disorder compared to those without (p=0.001) even after controlling for socioeconomic status (SES) (p=0.007). According to the hierarchical regression analyses, the girl gender (B=-6.899, p=0.029), younger age (B=-1.526, p=0.032) and co-morbidity of OCD (B=5.292, p=0.042) have statistically significantly predicted higher IAT scores in adolescents diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Conclusion: Identifying the common psychiatric diagnoses related to pathological internet use in adolescents, who started face-to-face education after a long break would enable mental health professionals to plan appropriate interventions for problematic areas particularly in vulnerable population more quickly when similar outbreaks recur.

The relationship between history of COVID-19 disease with anxiety and symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents age 20-24 years

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked anxiety and worry in society. Active cases have continued to grow since the government announced the first patient of COVID-19 in Indonesia. In the midst of this spread, adolescents are one of the dominant groups in society infected with COVID-19. This condition can trigger worry and fear of being infected again. Coupled with the transition of activities that were originally carried out outside the home, they had to change from home only. This situation can affect the psychological condition of adolescents. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the history of COVID-19 and anxiety and symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in adolescents aged 20-24 years in Surabaya. Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Surabaya City from October to November 2022. As many as 100 youth aged 20-24 years in Surabaya were the subjects of this study. The dependent variable is anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. The independent variable is adolescents aged 20-24 years with a history of COVID-19. The instruments used were questionnaires and PCR swab evidence collection. Research data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation. Results: The results showed that 74 subjects (74%) had mild anxiety. Meanwhile, there were 16 subjects (16%) who had symptoms of OCD. Analysis of the chi-square correlation test between history of COVID-19 disease and anxiety showed that there was no relationship between the two variables with a p value = 0.704. Analysis of the chi-square correlation test between history of COVID-19 disease and OCD symptoms showed that there was no relationship between the two variables with a p value = 0.086. Conclusion: There is no relationship between history of COVID-19 disease and anxiety in adolescents aged 20-24 years in Surabaya and there is no relationship between history of COVID-19 disease and symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in adolescents aged 20-24 years in Surabaya.

Concluding remarks-Current standing and future directions

The turn of the decade welcomed a devastating change in the guise of a global pandemic worldwide. The social distancing, quarantining, and isolation measures taken to contain the pandemic left social, psychological, economic, cultural, political, and personal ramifications in the lives of humankind. Individuals worldwide experienced several transitions in their lives because of the lock downs imposed worldwide. Confinement in the household, working from home, financial instability, loss of jobs, closure of schools, online classes, increased burden of care on women, and a host of other distinctive problems have blurred the boundaries between an individual's personal space and their life shared with others. Issues like these have given rise to a host of Mental Health problems among individuals of all age groups, which has enhanced the value of seeking Mental Health support from professionals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

COVID-19 Related Stress Reactions in Patients with Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder

Background: With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a large percentage of the world's population has been exposed to multiple burdens, including immediate hazards such as the risk of infection as well as social isolation, and economic insecurity. Based on the diathesis-stress model, which helps explain the development and maintenance of many mental disorders, these stresses may particularly affect people with preexisting mental disorders. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with OCD and healthy individuals. Results: According to OCSS, 23.9% of our participants were having mild OCD symptoms, 41.6% of them were having moderate symptoms, and severe symptoms presented in 34.5% of them. Our results revealed that there was a high statistically significant increase in total CSS scores in the OCD group compared to the control group. Conclusion: The results of the present study supported the notion that the increase in symptoms and general severity observed among those with OCD might primarily be due to stress induced by the current pandemic. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Arab Journal of Psychiatry is the property of Arab Federation of Psychiatrists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

[COVID-19 vaccination for people with severe mental diseases : Results of the COVID Ψ outpatient survey and recommendations for psychiatry]. / COVID-19-Impfung für Menschen mit schweren psychischen Erkrankungen : Ergebnisse des COVID-Ψ-Ambulant-Surveys und Empfehlungen für die Psychiatrie.

BACKGROUND: Severe mental illnesses are risk factors for SARS-CoV-2-related morbidity and mortality. Vaccination is an effective protection; therefore, high vaccination rates should be a major priority for people with mental illnesses. OBJECTIVES: (1) Identification of at-risk groups for non-vaccination and structures and interventions needed for widespread vaccination among people with mental illnesses from the perspective of outpatient psychiatrists and neurologists, (2) discussion of the results in the context of the international literature and (3) recommendations derived from them. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Qualitative content analysis of COVID-19 vaccination-related questions from the COVID Ψ online survey of n = 85 psychiatrists and neurologists in Germany. RESULTS: In the survey, people with schizophrenia, severe lack of drive, low socioeconomic status and homelessness were seen as risk groups for non-vaccination. Increased and targeted information, education, addressing and motivation and easily accessible vaccination offers by general practitioners, psychiatrists, and neurologists as well as complementary institutions were considered as important interventions. DISCUSSION: COVID-19 vaccinations as well as information, motivation and access support should be systematically offered by as many institutions of the psychiatric, psychotherapeutic and complementary care systems in Germany as possible.

Impact of Covid-19 Restrictions on Individual Placement and Support Service Delivery in Northern Norway.

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based supported employment program that helps people with severe mental illness to achieve steady, meaningful employment in competitive mainstream jobs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on IPS service delivery in Northern Norway between March and October 2020. In Norway, IPS is in the early stages of full-scale implementation and is therefore potentially sensitive to external stressors such as the Covid-19 pandemic. In October 2020 we conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional survey with IPS employment specialists in Northern Norway (n = 25). The purpose was to collect information about how Covid-19 restrictions between March and October 2020 impacted their ability to deliver IPS services. As a result of Covid-19 restrictions, more than half the employment specialists were reassigned to other roles or non-IPS related work tasks. They also reported less collaborative engagement with clinical teams and employers. 69 (20.4%) of IPS users supported by employment specialists gained employment after the Covid-19 restrictions were introduced and 82.8% of unemployed IPS users continued to seek competitive employment despite Covid-19 restrictions. Covid-19 restrictions appear to have created obstacles for IPS service delivery in Northern Norway and have negatively impacted the employment specialists' collaborative engagement with clinical teams. However, IPS employment specialists have shown strong capabilities in overcoming these challenges and services users have remained motivated to seek employment during the pandemic.