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

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 comple

SUBMITTER: Kaltenboeck A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9988625 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature