Introduction

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people under the care of mental health services has received relatively little attention in the scientific literature.

Aim

To assess psychiatric inpatients’ views regarding their mental health and experience of social change during the pandemic.

Method

Cross-sectional survey of consecutive patients admitted to Qatar’s only psychiatric hospital between mid-June and mid-October 2020.

Results

Data was analysed for 114/284 (40%) patients admitted during the study period. 8 (7%) reported a history of COVID-19. 43% reported that the pandemic had led to deterioration in their mental health, 11% to an improvement and 39% that there had been no attributable change. Those reporting worsened mental health, attributable to the pandemic, were significantly more likely to report having experienced four negative social changes during the pandemic, namely reduced ability to discuss emotions/feelings with family members, decreased time spent exercising, decreased time spent relaxing and increased stress from the home. Demographic factors did not distinguish those reporting worsened mental health from those whose mental health was improved or unchanged.

Discussion

A large proportion of psychiatric inpatients reported negative social and mental health changes during the pandemic. However, the study cannot determine causality.

Implications for practice

Mental health services should consider the psychological and social aspects of people’s lives, including their interactions with family, friends and the community. This is especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its wide impact on society. Interventions for people diagnosed with mental health disorders should address their psychological and social needs.