COVID-19-related psychological distress and engagement in preventative behaviors among individuals with severe mental illnesses

This study investigated the prevalence of engagement in COVID-19 preventative behaviors, predictors of these behaviors, and COVID-19-related psychological distress among individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMIs). 163 individuals with SMIs and 27 healthy controls participated in a phone survey. The majority of the SMI sample engaged in multiple preventative behaviors, with few differences between groups. However, individuals with SMIs were less likely to work remotely, and those with schizophrenia spectrum illnesses were less likely to stay home, wear masks, and work remotely than those with affective disorders. While individuals with SMIs reported more COVID-19-related psychological distress, this was largely unrelated to preventative behavior engagement. Findings suggest good COVID-19 awareness among stable outpatients with SMIs, but further research is needed on acutely ill individuals.

Amy E. Pinkham, Robert A. Ackerman, Colin A. Depp, Philip D. Harvey, Raeanne C. Moore