Sante publique (Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France)

AIMSThe study examines the experience of people living with mental disorders and their family during the spring 2020 confinement in France, as well as the care they received during this period. It also focuses on the experiences of caregivers and how they reorganized themselves during this same period. METHODUsing both qualitative and quantitative methods, three surveys were conducted during the confinement. Data was collected through two online questionnaires and semi-direct individual interviews with service users, families, and caregivers. RESULTSThe responses to our questionnaires from 173 family members, 68 service users and 40 caregivers show that people suffering from mental disorders adapted well to the confinement. Compared to the general population, there was no instance of psychiatric over-morbidity. However, the families suffered more from psychological difficulties. The deployment of remote consultations, responsiveness and availability of professionals were helpful for users. On the other hand, rapid adaptation that caregivers had to undergo made them experience a sense of loss of the actual meaning of their work. Families suffered from the lack of availability of caregivers. CONCLUSIONThe mental health of people suffering from mental disorders involved in this study was not impacted by the confinement. They made use of the various protective resources. The habit of having a solitary life and the knowledge of available resources may have played a favorable role. Peer support has been particularly supportive. Further studies are needed to evaluate the hypothesis of a "second psychiatric wave" due to the global pandemic.