Racial differences in attenuated psychotic symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: Rates of attenuated psychotic symptoms (APS) have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it is unclear whether this is most evident among individuals from marginalized racial groups.

Methods: The current study evaluated APS screening data across a six-year period in the state of Georgia in the United States, spanning several years prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate interactions between time and race. Participants included 435 clinical help-seeking individuals.

Results: The rate of individuals scoring above the APS screening cut-off was higher during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic (41% vs 23%). This pandemic-related increase in APS was significant for Black, but not White or Asian participants.

Conclusions: Findings indicate APS are increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic among clinical help-seeking populations. Black individuals may be at greater risk for developing a psychotic disorder during the pandemic, suggesting increased need for screening, mental health monitoring, and treatment.