Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Britain, the
country is experiencing soar in number of psychosis cases being reported. Past
two years have seen United Kingdom report surge in number of people reporting
incidents of hallucinations and delusions due to increased stress on account of
pandemic.
Psychosis can present in form of seeing or
hearing things that are not experienced by other people (hallucinations) and
developing beliefs not based on reality (delusions). It can be a symptom of
mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or severe depression,
but psychosis can also be an isolated disorder triggered by a traumatic
experience, extreme stress or drug and alcohol misuse.
Latest data by the NHS shows that number of people
seeking mental health services saw a 75 per cent increase since their first
psychosis episode reported in April 2019 and April 2021. The rise further continued
with 12,655 cases referred in July 2021, up 53% from 8,252 in July 2019. In this
maximum number have been reported last year after the first lockdown was
imposed across the country. In the analysis made by Rethink Mental Illness
charity, over 13,000 referrals were made in May 2021, a 70% rise on the May
before with 7,813 referrals.
Keeping the statistics in mind and anticipating
further deterioration of the condition, the charity has urged UK government to
invest more in mental health of people to enable early intervention in
psychosis. The data provides a strong indication of how the pandemic and
associated lockdowns with restrictions have impacted mental health of British
population.
Rethink Mental Illness charity has stressed on
importance of early intervention and access to mental health services to
prevent further psychosis episodes, thereby reducing risk of developing severe mental
illnesses in future. Brian Dow, the deputy chief executive of Rethink Mental
Illness, said, “These soaring numbers of suspected first episodes of psychosis
are cause for alarm. We are now well beyond the first profound shocks of this
crisis, and it’s deeply concerning that the number of referrals remains so
high. As first presentations of psychosis typically occur in young adults, this
steep rise raises additional concerns about the pressures the younger
generation have faced during the pandemic.”
“The pandemic has had a game changing effect
on our mental health and it requires a revolutionary response. Dedicated
additional funding for mental health and social care must go to frontline
services to help meet the new demand, otherwise thousands of people could bear
a catastrophic cost.”
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