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Phenomenology of the COVID-19 Pandemic Experience in Patients Suffering from Chronic Schizophrenia—A Qualitative Analysis

Authors :
Benita Wielgus
Łukasz Cichocki
Katarzyna Kotlarska
Source :
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol 19, Iss 56, p 56 (2022), International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; Volume 19; Issue 1; Pages: 56
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2022.

Abstract

Many studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic can have a great influence on mental health. However, there is still not enough research to fully understand how people suffering from schizophrenia experience crisis situations such as a pandemic. This qualitative study aims to explore this subject. Ten outpatients suffering from schizophrenia were interviewed in a semi-structured format using an interview designed by the authors for the purpose of this study. The interviews were transcribed, and a conventional qualitative content analysis was conducted. The general themes identified in the content analysis were organized into four categories: first reactions to information about the pandemic; subjective assessment of the pandemic’s impact on patients’ mental health; patients’ attitudes towards the temporary limitations and lockdowns; psychiatric treatment and psychotherapy during the pandemic. A variety of different experiences were observed, but the general conclusion arising from the study suggests that the majority of the interviewed patients coped quite well with the pandemic and that the observed reactions were similar to the reactions of other groups described in the literature. The study also confirmed the importance of the continuity of psychiatric care for patients with schizophrenia.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16617827 and 16604601
Volume :
19
Issue :
56
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....42e051702e8ceec7d6ab4b15b38400eb