Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Associated Lockdown on Outpatients With Psychiatric Illness: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: To explore the psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated lockdown on patients with psychiatric illness.Methods: An online survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted among patients receiving follow-up treatment at a tertiary care center from January to March 2020. The data were collected using a questionnaire about the possible challenges in 3 broad areas: treatment-related challenges, psychosocial difficulties, and concerns related to COVID-19.Results: The majority of patients (72.6%) reported a positive impact due to the increased availability of family support. Patients with depression and anxiety disorders (39.0%) experienced a more negative impact compared to those with psychotic disorders. Many of the psychiatric patients (22.6%) stopped medications and had difficulties accessing health services. Patients also experienced increased interpersonal conflict, sleep difficulties, and a surge in screen time.Conclusions: The findings highlight the difficulties faced by patients with psychiatric illnesses and emphasize the importance of family cohesion during times of crisis.

Topiramate-induced acute liver injury: A rare adverse effect.

Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is damage to liver occurring at recommended dose of a drug in contrast to toxic or predictable DILI. Although it is common in first-generation antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), it is rare in newer AEDs such as topiramate. Topiramate commonly causes neurological adverse effects such as psychomotor slowing and somnolence. Hepatotoxicity by topiramate is rare and has been previously reported in combination with other drugs such as valproate and carbamazepine. Here, we report a case of topiramate-induced asymptomatic elevation of liver enzymes in an adult man diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome and alcohol withdrawal complicated with seizures.