Anxiety in Patients and Medical Providers during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Although much existing research has focussed on the impact of the current Covid-19 pandemic on mental health in general populations worldwide, there remains a gap in knowing how it impacts those especially vulnerable to negative psychological effects. The main objective of this study was to compare the mental health impact of the pandemic on people with and without a pre-existing psychiatric history. Another objective of this study was to explore this impact on a range of variables known to favor anxiety. Results confirmed that the negative mental health impact of the pandemic is significantly higher for those who could be seen to be especially vulnerable. They also confirmed most of the predicted variables significantly favor anxiety. Overall, the findings of this study not only helped to identify and confirm groups vulnerable to negative mental health outcomes following crises, but they could also help to tailor existing treatment options to them during future outbreaks and/or other pandemics.