BACKGROUND: The threat of the potential spreading of the SARS epidemic caused significant stress to many individuals from non-affected countries. In this study, we investigated whether the SARS threat affected the subjective mood and behavior of Israeli patients with schizophrenia and compared their reactions with those noted in their clinical staff. METHODS: Subjects were evaluated with a specially designed questionnaire and a modified form of the Spielberger Scale for State Anxiety. RESULTS: As compared to staff, patients had higher scores on the Modified Spielberger State Anxiety Scale. However, many responses (e.g., dysphoria) to the SARS threat did not differ from staff. Patients felt more protected by the authorities and some perceived the epidemic in a psychotic manner. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that patients attempt to reduce the effect of external stressors by living in an "autistic bubble" (in which outside threats cannot enter) or by denying the significance of these stressors and over-emphasizing the power of medical authorities to protect them. On the other hand, some patients also psychotically interpreted these stressors.
BACKGROUND: The threat of the potential spreading of the SARS epidemic caused significant stress to many individuals from non-affected countries. In this study, we investigated whether the SARS threat affected the subjective mood and behavior of Israeli patients with schizophrenia and compared their reactions with those noted in their clinical staff. METHODS: Subjects were evaluated with a specially designed questionnaire and a modified form of the Spielberger Scale for State Anxiety. RESULTS: As compared to staff, patients had higher scores on the Modified Spielberger State Anxiety Scale. However, many responses (e.g., dysphoria) to the SARS threat did not differ from staff. Patients felt more protected by the authorities and some perceived the epidemic in a psychotic manner. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that patients attempt to reduce the effect of external stressors by living in an "autistic bubble" (in which outside threats cannot enter) or by denying the significance of these stressors and over-emphasizing the power of medical authorities to protect them. On the other hand, some patients also psychotically interpreted these stressors.
Authors: Ellie Brown; Richard Gray; Samantha Lo Monaco; Brian O'Donoghue; Barnaby Nelson; Andrew Thompson; Shona Francey; Pat McGorry Journal: Schizophr Res Date: 2020-05-06 Impact factor: 4.939
Authors: James K Moran; Joachim Bretz; Johanna Winkler; Stefan Gutwinski; Eva J Brandl; Meryam Schouler-Ocak Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2021-05-28 Impact factor: 5.435
Authors: Leticia González-Blanco; Francesco Dal Santo; Leticia García-Álvarez; Lorena de la Fuente-Tomás; Carlota Moya Lacasa; Gonzalo Paniagua; Pilar A Sáiz; María Paz García-Portilla; Julio Bobes Journal: Schizophr Res Date: 2020-07-25 Impact factor: 4.939
Authors: Pierluigi Cordellieri; Benedetta Barchielli; Valeria Masci; Francesca Viani; Ivan de Pinto; Andrea Priori; Felice Damiano Torriccelli; Chiara Cosmo; Stefano Ferracuti; Anna Maria Giannini; Jessica Burrai Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-03-30 Impact factor: 3.390