How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect the personal lives and care realities of people with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder? A qualitative interview study

1Citations
Citations of this article
22Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic constitutes one of the greatest recent public crises. This study explored its influence on the lives and care realities of people with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). Methods: Between October 2020 and April 2021, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 volunteers with SSDs receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment in Vienna (Austria). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: Three main themes were identified. First, ‘Pandemic life is deprived, lonely and surreal – though certain aspects can be perceived as positive’. Second, ‘Bio-psycho-social support systems were struck at their core by the pandemic and were left severely compromised’. Last, ‘There is a complex interplay between one’s prior experience of psychosis and the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic’. The pandemic situation affected interviewees in various ways. For many, it led to a drastic reduction in day-to-day and social activities and contributed to an atmosphere of strangeness and threat. Bio-psycho-social support providers frequently suspended their services and offered alternatives were not always helpful. Participants indicated that whilst having an SSD might render them vulnerable to the pandemic situation, prior experience with psychotic crises can also provide knowledge, skills and self-confidence which enable better coping. Some interviewees also perceived aspects of the pandemic situation as helpful for recovering from psychosis. Conclusion: Healthcare providers must acknowledge the perspectives and needs of people with SSDs in present and future public health crises to ensure proper clinical support.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Kaltenboeck, A., Portela Millinger, F., Stadtmann, S., Schmid, C., Amering, M., Vogl, S., & Fellinger, M. (2023). How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect the personal lives and care realities of people with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder? A qualitative interview study. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 69(5), 1239–1249. https://doi.org/10.1177/00207640231156833

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free