This research article investigates the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on inpatient mental health. A retrospective longitudinal analysis of all psychiatric admissions to Mount Carmel Hospital in Malta (2019-2021) was conducted, comparing 2019 (pre-pandemic) with 2020 and 2021. While 2020 showed a moderate increase in suicidal ideation and self-injury, 2021 saw a surge in admissions for mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety, personality disorders, and autism spectrum disorders, along with increased self-injurious behavior and involuntary admissions. The study highlights the pandemic's long-term effects and emphasizes the need to consider mental health impacts when planning responses to future pandemics.

Andrea Fiorillo, Gaia Sampogna, Sean Warwicker, Denise Sant, Adrian Richard, Jake Cutajar, Annalise Bellizzi, Gertrude Micallef, Daniel Refalo, Liberato Camilleri, Anton Grech