User Perception of Telephone-Based Telepsychiatry Consultation: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Objective: To assess user perception regarding different aspects of the telepsychiatry process.Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was conducted between July and September 2020 with follow-up patients attending teleconsultation at a tertiary care center (N = 108). The online survey included questions about the user's experience such as the appointment process and different aspects of teleconsultation, as well as perceived benefits, difficulties experienced, and suggestions for improvement. The sociodemographic and clinical data were retrieved from the electronic record.Results: The majority of patients expressed satisfaction with teleconsultation. The patients who were living far from the center (> 100 km) and those with psychotic illness favored telepsychiatry. Patients with nonpsychotic illnesses reported significantly less satisfaction with counseling in teleconsultation.Conclusions: The findings substantiate the acceptance of telepsychiatry services and emphasize the need for a tailor-made hybrid form of consultation as per the patient's profile.

Relapse in bipolar disorder in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A case series and key recommendations.

COVID-19 has adversely affected the lives of people with bipolar disorder (BD). We have reported three patients with BD, who suffered from relapse after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Patient X is a 54-year-old man who developed manic episode, while Y is a 63-year-old man and Z is a 52-year-old woman who developed severe depression after being hospitalized for COVID-19. In this case series, three patients with BD who developed manic or depressive episodes during COVID-19 infection have been described. Adequate liaison between consultation-liaison psychiatrist and primary medical team was done. Rational pharmacotherapy along with psychosocial interventions led to favorable outcomes in all three cases.