Influence of Covid-19 pandemic on Psychiatric presentation: A Case Series

BACKGROUND: The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on people’s lives globally. It has affected not only physical health but also the mental well-being of the population. The pandemic itself and the subsequent lockdown brought various socio-economic hardships and stressors. These environmental and psychological factors played a central role in shaping novel psychopathological presentations. AIMS: These case series aim to elucidate the role of the covid 19 pandemic in influencing the psychopathological presentation and development of psychiatric illness. METHODS: Three cases uniquely impacted by the Covid 19 pandemic were identified, and structured clinical assessments were carried out. Case 1 shows how societal fears and perceptions centering around the covid 19 pandemic impacted and crept into psychopathology. Case 2 highlights the role of covid related lockdown and fear of contracting illness resulting in sensory deprivation, which lead to the emergence of psychotic symptoms in an elderly male. Case 3 depicts the onset of obsessive fear of contamination & contracting Covid infection and subsequent compulsions associated with other obsessions. RESULTS: An understanding of the proximal and distal factors and environmental factors shaping psychopathology is vital. Early identification of these factors and prompt treatment leads to good recovery and beneficial results despite prevailing uncertainty about the pandemic CONCLUSION: Above case series highlights the need to have better understanding of the various factors that affect the presentation of psychiatric illness, and further qualitative studies are warranted.