From predictions to evidence: Treatment compliance, disease progression and social compliance of patients with schizophrenia in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose: This study explored how patients with schizophrenia were provided with social support and treatment compliance during the pandemic.

Design And Methods: A total of 396 patients with schizophrenia and their relatives were interviewed by telephone calls.

Findings: Multiple antipsychotic use and depot antipsychotics were not superior in preventing relapse. A total of 70.2% of the patients wanted to meet with their psychiatrist online but only 7.1% of them were reached online. A total of 59% of patients were able to take their medication thanks to the extension of their drug prescriptions.

Practice Implications: Active inclusion of telepsychiatry applications in clinical practice is necessary for patients with schizophrenia. Government policies developed for treatment compliance seem important.