People with schizophrenia are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. Schizophrenic people tend to live in places like nursing homes, prisons, homeless shelters, or state mental hospitals. Unfortunately, these facilities are hotbeds for transmission of the COVID-19 virus. If you have schizophrenia, you must seek help with a mental health professional to know what to do during this uncertain time.
Why are People with Schizophrenia at Increased Risk of COVID-19 Complications?
Those with schizophrenia tend to have shorter lifespans than others. Cardiovascular and obesity-related conditions can make them more susceptible to contracting the virus. The same is true with lung problems. If a schizophrenia patient is COVID-19 positive, they need to live in isolation and have attendants there to keep them isolated from other patients. If a schizophrenic patient is aggressive, they may need to be stabilized quickly.
Do Medications Need to be Changed During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Long-acting injectable medications are ideally suited to the current situation. Schizophrenic individuals should be encouraged to switch from oral medicines to long-acting injections, which will require onset care or home visits. It is hard to tell if this could be done remotely with constant communication with mental health providers.
It helps the patient have a smartphone where they can have video chats and receive regular guidance and monitoring. Unfortunately, a lot of schizophrenia patients do not have access to this technology.
How Do Lockdowns Affect Schizophrenia Patients?
It is challenging for schizophrenia patients to understand that their lives need to change due to exceptional circumstances. It can also be harder for mental health specialists to ensure their patients maintain the necessary distancing, isolation, personal hygiene, and other prevention policies.
Schizophrenic people are very sensitive to things that disrupt their routines. They tend to worry that their case manager will change, they will need to find a new doctor, or they will be unable to pick up groceries. During this time, people with schizophrenia need to be under the care of qualified and experienced professionals.
Schizophrenia can be very challenging to go through during these uncertain times. Alta Loma is an addiction and mental health facility that can accommodate your needs through individualized therapy, medication management, recreational activities, life skills, and more. For more information, please call us at (866) 457-3843.
