From predictions to evidence: Treatment compliance, disease progression and social compliance of patients with schizophrenia in the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study explored how patients with schizophrenia were provided with social support and treatment compliance during the pandemic. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 396 patients with schizophrenia and their relatives were interviewed by telephone calls. FINDINGS: Multiple antipsychotic use and depot antipsychotics were not superior in preventing relapse. A total of 70.2% of the patients wanted to meet with their psychiatrist online but only 7.1% of them were reached online. A total of 59% of patients were able to take their medication thanks to the extension of their drug prescriptions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Active inclusion of telepsychiatry applications in clinical practice is necessary for patients with schizophrenia. Government policies developed for treatment compliance seem important.