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Challenges in geriatric mental health delivery during the COVID-19 lockdown in India: Illustration using a case report

Authors :
Migita M D'cruz
Source :
Journal of Geriatric Mental Health, Vol 7, Iss 2, Pp 108-110 (2020)
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2020.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and the global/local response to it have placed the mental health of older adults disproportionately at risk. We illustrate the challenges in geriatric mental health care during the COVID-19 lockdown in India using a case report. Mr. S, a 65-year-old man, developed very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychoses in January 2020. While his illness is not novel, the pandemic accentuated his distress and led to barriers in accessing elective mental health care. Social inequity including economic disparity and digital literacy amplified barriers in accessing care. In the meantime, he developed suicidal ideation and attempted self-harm, which was averted. Mr. S was finally able to access subsidized government mental health care in June 2020 and is recovering. However, we argue that the barriers to treatment and consequent delay in care in the context of the pandemic are worth addressing.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
23489995 and 23953322
Volume :
7
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Journal of Geriatric Mental Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.03b1145e5b674e859a461b3b28846359
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4103/jgmh.jgmh_28_20