Table 2 Summary of key points from the literature review
Question | Key literature review results |
|---|---|
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the individual with SCZ or BP-I? | Individuals recently diagnosed with SCZ or BP-I are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection, compared with individuals without a mental disorder [25]. A SCZ spectrum diagnosis is associated with mortality after COVID-19 diagnosis [26]. Mental health problems are likely to remain increased beyond the actual pandemic [27]. |
What is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment challenges for individuals with SCZ and BP-I? | The start of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in reduced access to services, early psychiatric discharge, and disruption to face-to-face psychiatric care for people with pre-existing mental illness, potentially increasing relapse and suicide risk [9]. |
What are the main gaps to the access of healthcare during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and the utility of LAIs? | LAI prescriptions decreased at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by a decrease in face-to-face consultations as part of pandemic-related physical distancing measures. Individuals require the most consistent (and convenient) access to LAIs [20, 21]. |