Descriptive study of mental health care users 12 months pre- and post-COVID-19 lockdown.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted on a range of physical, mental and societal health indices. Increased levels of psychological stress are often reported following pandemics.

Aim: To describe and compare the presentations of mental health care users pre- and post-initiation of the lockdown, with an emphasis on demographic profiles and final diagnoses.

Setting: The study was conducted as a retrospective record review over the predetermined period at a large public hospital in Johannesburg and included all mental health care users requiring psychiatry consultation during the study period.

Methods: Clinical records were traced via the emergency department registration desk, and information pertaining to demographics, presenting complaints, date of presentation and diagnosis was extracted.

Results: A significant increase was seen in patients with psychotic disorders from pre-COVID-19 to post-COVID-19. There was a reduction in presentations of mood disorders and substance-related disorders. Patients presenting in the post-COVID-19 time period were significantly younger than in the pre-COVID-19 time period.

Conclusion: Pandemics result in notable negative mental health sequelae. Policies aimed at mitigating the spread of infective agents should be implemented with consideration of the burden of psychological distress following the pandemic.

Contribution: This study provides insights into clinical and demographic variables in a mental health care population serviced at a government hospital pre- and post-COVID-19 lockdown regulations.