The impact of COVID-19 on acute psychiatric admissions for first and repeated episode psychosis
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
There is limited evidence of the longer-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute admissions for psychosis in the UK.
Aims:
We examined the impact of COVID-19 on rates of admissions for first and repeated episode psychosis, and changes in patient profile and seasonal patterns, over a period of 12 months.
Method:
We conducted a retrospective case note review of all patients admitted with a primary psychosis (F20-29 ICD 10 diagnosis) to an NHS psychiatric inpatient unit. We compared the 12 months pre-COVID-19 period between 1 March 2019 and 28 February 2020, and the 12 months post-COVID-19 period between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2021.
Results:
The results showed increase rates of admissions post-COVID-19 in both first and repeated episode psychosis, the patient profile had more females and older age in the repeated episode group, with increased employment rates. Combined group data for both pre- and post-COVID-19 periods showed an increased trend in spring and summer admissions, and even though not statistically significant, more pronounced post-COVID-19.
Conclusions:
Our findings highlight the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute psychosis admissions over a 12-month period. The results provide evidence for the ‘stress-pathogenesis’ in the context of genetic vulnerability in psychosis. Preventative strategies in the context of the ‘stress-pathogenesis model’, improved access to and responsiveness within NHS transformation efforts needs to be adjusted to fit local need and environmental changes.
Citations
Altmetric:
Date
2023
Type
Article
Subject
COVID-19, Psychotic Disorders, Inpatients
Collections
Citation
Kelbrick M, da Silva K, Griffiths C, et al. (2023) The impact of COVID-19 on acute psychiatric admissions for first and repeated episode psychosis. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 7th August. Available from: doi:10.1177/00207640231188031