Section - Quick Takes

02. Abuse, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Ideation in the UK During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on October 1, 2020 Expired on April 1, 2023

James Phelps, M.D.

Research Editor - Psychopharmacology Institute

Key Points

No surprise: Social adversities are associated with higher rates of suicidal ideation and physical abuse.

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Numerous politicians have cited the mental health consequences of business lockdowns to justify backing off those restrictions and trying to get the world’s economies going again as quickly as possible. Are those consequences really happening? Is suicidal ideation or abuse at home going up?

In this Quick Take, we will look at the prevalence of suicidal ideation and abuse at home in 50,000 people during the pandemic. Unfortunately, this survey study in the United Kingdom was initiated in March of this year; thus, we get a good look at the present, but there is no data for comparison before the pandemic. However, there are some interesting twists. For example, 15% of the employed group had suicidal ideation vs 37% of the unemployed. For comparison, in people unable to work because of disability, which presumably mostly preceded COVID-19, the rate of suicidal ideation was 50% vs 8% in the retired. Now,

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03. Clozapine Treatment and Risk of COVID-19

Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Add to their knowledge of COVID-19’s impact on health and mental health an understanding of the central nervous system effects of the virus.
Compare the rates of suicidal ideation and physical abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic with rates from a previous survey (a risk of comparing apples with oranges, yes, but the gap may still be meaningful).
Examine the risk factors for COVID-19 infection that accompany clozapine treatment, from patient attributes to direct immune system effects.
Identify factors that facilitate and interfere with normal grief and how COVID-19 interacts with these factors to increase the likelihood of prolonged grief disorder.
Appreciate the breadth of changes in the management of mental health issues that could arise from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Original Release Date: October 1, 2020

Review and Re-release Date: March 1, 2023

Expiration Date: April 1, 2023

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

James Phelps declares the following interests:

- McGraw-Hill: book on bipolar disorder

- W.W. Norton & Co.: book on bipolar disorder

All of the relevant financial relationships listed above have been mitigated by Medical Academy and the Psychopharmacology Institute.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Answer the quiz for promoting retention of knowledge.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
Download your certificate.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.