Strah od prijenosa zaraze COVID-19 pridonio je pojavi anksioznosti i depresije kod osoba koje do sada nisu bolovale
od mentalnih bolesti, te do pogoršanja simptoma u osoba s prethodno dijagnosticiranim mentalnim bolestima.
Pokazano je da oboljeli od shizofrenije imaju povećan rizik od zaraze COVID-19 kao i da su češće hospitalizirani
te imaju veću smrtnost, što se povezuje s velikim brojem komorbiditeta, pušenjem te korištenjem velikog broja
lijekova. Uočena je i veza između imunološkog i upalnog profila COVID-19 i shizofrenije. Problem su također
nejednakost zdravstvene skrbi i stigma koji doprinose lošijem ishodu COVID-19 kod osoba oboljelih od mentalnih
bolesti. Pandemija COVID-19 može dovesti do pogoršanja psihotičnih simptoma i pojave relapsa u osoba s
prethodno dijagnosticiranim mentalnim bolestima. Nadalje, uočena je veza između socijalne izolacije i pogoršanja
mentalnog zdravlja u smislu razvoja stresa i anksioznosti. Kako bi se nastavila pružati kontinuirana skrb oboljelima
od shizofrenije, a smanjio rizik od zaraze, telemedicina pruža najbolje moguće riješenje, no za teže slučajeve fizički
posjeti ostaju i dalje ključni. Oboljeli od shizofrenije su vulnerabilna skupina u smislu zaraze COVID-19 i mogućeg
smrtnog ishoda i potrebno ih je zaštititi senzibiliziranjem društva i medicinskih djelatnika kako bi se uklonila stigma
i smanjile nejednakosti u pružanju zdravstvene skrbi.The fear of transmission of COVID-19 infection has contributed to the occurrence of anxiety and depression in individuals
who have not previously suffered from mental illness, and to the worsening of symptoms in patients previously diagnosed
with mental illness. It has been shown that patients with schizophrenia have an increased risk of contracting COVID-19,
are more often hospitalized and have a higher mortality rate. This is correlated with many comorbidities, tobacco
consumption, and extensive use of medications. It has been noted that there is a connection between the immune and
inflammatory response of COVID-19 and schizophrenia. Healthcare inequality and stigma result in a poorer outcome of
COVID-19 in persons suffering from mental illness. The COVID-19 pandemic can cause a worsening of psychotic symptoms
and the reoccurrence of relapses in those with a prior mental illness diagnosis. Additionally, it has been noted that social
seclusion can cause a decline in psychological wellbeing, leading to increased levels of stress and anxiety. To ensure that
patients with schizophrenia receive uninterrupted care and minimize the risk of infection, telemedicine offers an optimal
solution; however, for more severe cases, physical visits remain imperative. Patients with schizophrenia are particularly
exposed to contraction and potential death from COVID-19 and require the support of society and medical professionals
to help eliminate the stigma they often face, and guarantee equal access to healthcare
