Symposia
Schizophrenia / Psychotic Disorders
Emily E. Carol, Ph.D.
McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School
Belmont, Massachusetts
Social distancing and stay at home orders were the most common emergency guidelines implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic aimed at decreasing the spread of the virus. As a result, everyday life, including outpatient psychiatric services, rapidly transition from in-person activities to virtual and telehealth services. Young adults receiving services in first episode psychosis (FEP) clinics may face unique challenges related to the interpersonal factors impacted in transitioning to telehealth and the increased social isolation. These young adults may have increased vulnerability due to the loss of outside structure and role functioning opportunities previously accessed through in-person therapeutic, work, and school environments (Meyer-Kalos et a., 2021; Szmuelewiicz et al., 2022), as well as the symptom severity and lower social functioning associated with early psychosis symptoms (Kozloff et al., 2020). The present survey-based study assessed young adult FEP clients' (n=28) experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Variables assessed include self-perceptions of recovery, education, and work goals compared to their peers, as well as wellbeing, symptoms, social and role functioning, and engagement in telehealth services. Individualized differences were observed across the sample highlighting the different trajectories of FEP client experiences during a time of increased isolation. Results provide insight into FEP client’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight important treatment targets related to interpersonal functioning, symptomatology, and recovery goals.