Covid-19 outcomes worse for psychiatric patients in secure units

Guidance based solely on age may not be enough for this vulnerable population, highlighting the need for more research and treatment for their physical health. A study conducted at the National Forensic Mental Health Service in Dublin revealed high rates of treatment-resistant psychoses, obesity, and medical comorbidities.

These high-risk factors, such as obesity, lung disease, and immune-compromising conditions, could lead to adverse outcomes in the event of a SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to the researchers.

The study aimed to assess the risk of adverse outcomes in the event of SARS-CoV-2 infection in all forensic psychiatry patients at NFMHS using structured assessment tools. The results showed a high prevalence of physical comorbidities in the cohort, with a mean age of 45.5 years.

Schizophrenia was the most common primary psychiatric diagnosis among the patients, followed by schizoaffective disorder and psychotic depression. Additionally, a significant portion of the sample was obese, overweight, had hypertension, and/or type II diabetes mellitus.

Researchers noted that almost one-third of the patients met criteria for high risk based on Covid-Age, with a Covid-Age of 70 years or older, highlighting the unexpected and concerning nature of the findings.

Source: British Journal of Psychiatry; doi: 10.1192/bjo.2020.169.