Challenges and Insights From Treating Psychotic Disorders During COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil.
Schizophr Bull Open
; 3(1): sgac061, 2022 Jan.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2107584
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic mainly affected the most vulnerable individuals. Among those, patients with schizophrenia especially suffered from unexpected changes in their routines, barriers to treatment, and distress-related events. We conducted a narrative review using all available sources of information to describe the challenges faced by schizophrenia patients and their families in Brazil, including the strategies that have been adopted to tackle them. In addition, we analyzed public data on antipsychotic prescriptions and hospitalizations. It was found that digital prescriptions with extended expiration dates implemented during the pandemic in Brazil allowed patients to maintain their access to antipsychotics. Hospitalizations among patients with schizophrenia, schizotypal, and schizoaffective disorders decreased at the beginning of the pandemic. Nevertheless, in the following months, the admissions returned to a trend similar to the prepandemic period. The systematization of online resources will be one of the main legacies to mental health care, including schizophrenia. We believe one of the main limitations of the policies adopted was the decision to not prioritize COVID-19 vaccination in patients with severe psychiatric disorders, despite preliminary evidence of a higher risk of complications in this group. The coronavirus pandemic is still ongoing and a longer time will be required to have a better perspective of its effects, but we expect this record of challenges and insights about the lessons learned during the pandemic can help healthcare professionals to face similar situations in the future.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Prognostic study
/
Reviews
Topics:
Vaccines
Country/Region as subject:
South America
/
Brazil
Language:
English
Journal:
Schizophr Bull Open
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Schizbullopen
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