Experiences of treating patients with psychotic symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges in the treatment of patients with psychotic symptoms. Clinicians have expressed concern in treating patients exhibiting psychotic symptoms who may be infected with COVID-19, fearing that patients may not adhere with practices intended to mitigate viral spread. In our experience with treating adolescents and adults with psychotic symptoms during this pandemic, the vast majority of patients have demonstrated acceptance of and adherence to preventative measures. We would urge our colleagues to continue practices aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in spite of concerns that might exist when treating patients with psychotic symptoms.

KEYWORDS:

• Psychosis
• coronavirus
• COVID-19
• inpatient psychiatry
• emergency psychiatry

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.