Patients with psychiatric illness were more likely to be hospitalized with severe symptoms during the pandemic, according to a new study published in the journal Psychiatry Research.¹

This study examined the severity of symptoms among 470 adults and 142 adolescents with diagnosed psychiatric illness admitted to a psychiatry hospital in the US before the pandemic (before December 31, 2019) and during the pandemic (after March 11, 2020). They were examined for anxiety, depression, quality of sleep, disturbed sleep and suicidal ideation at the time of hospitalization.

Results showed significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, disability and nightmares among adults hospitalized during the pandemic compared to those admitted before the pandemic. Whereas, adolescents reported considerably higher levels of anxiety, depression and sleep problems at admission during the pandemic vs before the pandemic.

These findings emphasize the need for continued care of patients with pre-existing psychiatric conditions even during the pandemic and future outbreaks as they are more vulnerable to the stress of the pandemic and therefore are at high risk of exacerbations of their mental health symptoms.

Reference

1. Danna Ramirez, et al. Increased symptom severity in adults and adolescents admitting to an inpatient psychiatric hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychiatry Res. 2022 Oct;316:114758. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114758.