A 6-month study on the pattern of emergency department presentations for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders during COVID-19 lockdown

July 1, 2021

Jagadheesan K, Danivas V, Itrat Q, Shekaran L, Lakra V.

Psychiatry Research

This study, by Jagadheesan et al, utilized cross-sectional data to understand the relationship between psychotic disorders and the COVID-19 lockdown in Melbourne. Adult patients who had been to one of two emergency departments for psychotic treatment during March-September 2020 were compared to patients who visited emergency departments during a control period (March-September 2019). The first six lockdown months marked 6.8% more psychotic disorders, with specific attention to schizophrenia and acute transient psychosis. Amongst the psychotic disorder group, a larger number of patients were discharged during the lockdown period in comparison to the control period. The psychotic disorder group also included a higher hospital admission rate and mean duration of emergency department stay when compared to a mood disorder group. Across a similar comparison, the psychotic disorder group consisted of more patients in the 26–35 and 46–55 age group, in the emergency triage category, and more men.

Jagadheesan K, Danivas V, Itrat Q, Shekaran L, Lakra V. A 6-month study on the pattern of emergency department presentations for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders during COVID-19 lockdown. Psychiatry Res2021; 303: 114081.

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