IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN PATIENTS WITH PRE-EXISTING MENTAL ILLNESS VISITING OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF TERTIARY HEALTH CARE CENTRE- A CROSS SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

BACKGROUND -: COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on mental health. While there has been extensive work on the effect of pandemic on the mental health of the general population, studies on the impact of pandemic on people with mental illness are limited. AIMS-: The study aimed to ascertain Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in patients with pre-existing mental illness and its correlation with clinical, socio-demographical factors. METHODOLOGY –: 100 participants aged 18-65 years, who visited Psychiatry OPD, were included. The psychological impact due to life stress was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale. Current Psycho-pathology was assessed by DASS-21 scale. The perceived loneliness and social isolation were assessed by De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. RESULTS-: Out of 100 participants, 55% reported to have faced difficulties during pandemic, 64% reported worsening of mental illness, 40% faced difficulty in accessing medications, resulting in non-compliance. 61% managed to visit hospital during pandemic, while 35% could not access consultation services. Only 4% sought teleconsultation. Psychological impact of COVID was found to be positively correlated with the perceived loneliness and social isolation during quarantine(r=11.619, p=0.01). DISCUSSION-: These results depict a significant impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health patients with psychiatric illness that is exacerbated by social isolation. Quarantine and social distancing lead to elevated levels of loneliness and social isolation, which in turn produce repercussions on mental health. Also family dynamics and difficulty to access mental health care, appear to play a significant role. CONCLUSION-: These results highlight a significant impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of psychiatric patients and elucidates prominent association with demographic factors and the difficulty to access mental health care. There is need to strengthen telepsychiatry services in recent times.