Challenges and Insights From Treating Psychotic Disorders During COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic mainly affected the most vulnerable individuals. Among those, patients with schizophrenia especially suffered from unexpected changes in their routines, barriers to treatment, and distress-related events. We conducted a narrative review using all available sources of information to describe the challenges faced by schizophrenia patients and their families in Brazil, including the strategies that have been adopted to tackle them. In addition, we analyzed public data on antipsychotic prescriptions and hospitalizations. It was found that digital prescriptions with extended expiration dates implemented during the pandemic in Brazil allowed patients to maintain their access to antipsychotics. Hospitalizations among patients with schizophrenia, schizotypal, and schizoaffect

SUBMITTER: Gadelha A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9619477 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature