Assessment of Patients' Referral Patterns with Complains of Self-harm and Aggression in the COVID-19 Era

Abstract

Background: Due to the high transmission rate of COVID-19, the high prevalence of the disease, the high mortality rate, and its effects on mental health, we aimed to assess the current status of psychiatric symptoms. Methods: In this observational study, we have assessed various psychiatric presentations and disorders before and after the COVID-19 pandemic within the same time limit. Data have been obtained from the psychiatric interview performed by an attending physician in psychiatry. Results: The following features have been observed after the pandemic: increased depressed mood, irritability, crime trend, physical violations, personality disorders along with improved family support, and decreased suicidal ideation. No significant difference has been observed in the rate of response to psychotherapy and psychiatric medications before and after the time of the pandemic. Conclusion: Increased physical threat and aggression, substance use, and symptoms of psychosis were more frequently observed in the time of the pandemic. The physical threat was mainly committed by younger patients with psychiatric illnesses.