Prospective survey of psychiatric patients during the first confinement of the COVID 2019 pandemic

In the early steps of an emerging infectious disease epidemic such as Covid-19, uncertainties about the nature of the disease, its spread and impact can lead to emotional distress. In addition, the studies on confinement during an epidemic have shown a psychological impact of this measure on the feelings of anxiety and depression in the general population. METHOD: We assessed the psychological health of 550 patients followed up in outpatient psychiatry, via a pandemic-related teleconsultation during the first confinement period between March and June 2020. Patients were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the confinement on their personal situation, social relationships, professional activity, anxiety and mood. We also evaluated patients' symptomatology and their quality of life. RESULTS: Patients were well informed about Covid-19 via the media and complied with the confinement and barrier procedures. They appreciated the phone-calls and the teleconsultation follow-up. A small proportion of patients were completely socially isolated mainly at the beginning of the confinement (10%). There was no difference between the beginning and the end of the confinement in terms of depressive and anxiety symptoms or quality of life. The women were more anxious and depressed than men. Only smoking was significantly increased during this period. CONCLUSION: The expected and feared health catastrophe in psychiatry during this first phase of the pandemic in 2020 did not occur. Will the psychiatric wave appear in the "post- pandemic", the future will tell.