This episode provides a quick clinical update on the evidence-base and recommendations for managing mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and includes research and clinical recommendations regarding media exposure, managing misinformation, communication and maintaining mental health during the current pandemic.

A/Prof Jeffrey Looi, MBBS Syd, MD ANU, DMedSc Melb, FRANZCP, AFRACMA, is a clinical academic neuropsychiatrist, in private and public practice, and Head of the Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine at the Australian National University Medical School. Jeffrey leads the Australian, United States, Scandinavian-Spanish Imaging Exchange (AUSSIE) and the Consortium of Australian-Academic Psychiatrists for Independent Policy and Research Analysis (CAPIPRA). He has received multiple research and leadership awards and is a co-author on more than 200 peer-reviewed papers, including research at the UCLA Medical School, Karolinska Institute and University of Melbourne.

Dr Paul Anthony Maguire, MBBS UNSW, PhD ANU, FRANZCP, is a clinical and academic psychiatrist, working in public practice, and Co-Deputy Head of the Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine at the Australian National University Medical School. Paul has worked both as an inpatient consultant and community psychiatrist for many years. He is a co-author on more than 20 peer-reviewed papers, and on a book chapter. His special interest areas are the physical health of people with a mental illness, pandemic influenza, risk perception, and schizophrenia. Prior to his transition to clinical and academic psychiatry, Paul worked as a general practitioner in the Canberra community for many years. 

Papers discussed:

ANZJP

• Neither the internist or the internet: use of and trust in health information sources by persons with schizophrenia – first author: Maguire, PA
• Fire, disease and fear: effects of the media coverage of the 2019-2020 bushfires and novel coronavirus 2019 on population mental health – first author: Looi, JCL
• Vulnerability of people with schizophrenia to COVID-19 – first author: Maguire, PA

 Australasian Psychiatry

• Nothing to sneeze at – uptake of protective measures against an influenza pandemic by people with schizophrenia: willingness and perceived barriers – first author: Maguire, PA
• A sense of dread: affect and risk perception in people with schizophrenia during an influenza pandemic – first author: Maguire, PA
• Clinical update on managing media exposure and misinformation during COVID-19: recommendations for governments and healthcare professionals – first author: Looi, JCL

Reputable information sources for patients

https://www.australia.gov.au 

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

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This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.