COVID-19 dimensions and psychotic experiences among US college students: Findings from the Healthy Mind Study 2020

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has caused tremendous changes in daily living, which may be related to mental health problems, including psychotic experiences, though research has only begun to assess these associations. Methods We analyzed data from the Healthy Minds Survey (Fall Semester Cohort 2020), which is a non-probability sample of students attending one of 36 universities in the United States, who completed an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic (September–December 2020). We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the associations between several COVID-19 dimensions (anxiety, discrimination, financial distress, infection, illness of loved one, death of loved one, caregiving) and 12-month psychotic experiences, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and international student status. Results Each individual COVID-19 dimension was significantly associated with greater odds of having 12-month psychotic experiences, with the exception of being a caregiver. When accounting for all COVID-19 dimensions simultaneously in the same model, only COVID-19 related anxiety, financial distress, and infection were associated with psychotic experiences. Conclusion COVID-19 dimensions were linked to psychotic experiences among university students, which may also apply to the larger population. This can potentially inform assessment and treatment during the pandemic.

Prevalence and risk factors of self‐reported psychotic experiences among high school and college students: A systematic review, meta‐analysis, and meta‐regression

“…At the same time, Oh et al found that other COVID-19 related dimensions, such as financial distress and anxiety, were positively associated with PEs among students. 99 Some authors suggested that the pandemic may be beneficial for mental health of young people withschizotypal symptoms because isolation due to COVID-19 insulates them from social stress. 100 Contrarily, another study found that despite reporting more social avoidance due to the pandemic, schizotypal students exhibited high levels of fear of COVID.…”

“…The authors explained their findings by the fact that some COVID‐19‐related factors such as increased contact with family members might serve a protective function for students. At the same time, Oh et al found that other COVID‐19 related dimensions, such as financial distress and anxiety, were positively associated with PEs among students 99 . Some authors suggested that the pandemic may be beneficial for mental health of young people withschizotypal symptoms because isolation due to COVID‐19 insulates them from social stress 100 .…”

COVID-19-related direct and vicarious racial discrimination: Associations with psychological distress among U.S. college students

“…Additionally, college students have reported increased levels of depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and self-harm behaviors linked to financial strain, infection, and loss of a loved one due to COVID ( ElTohamy et al, 2022 ; Oh et al, 2022 ; Oh et al, 2021b ; Oh et al, 2021c ). Experiences of racial discrimination during the pandemic have also been associated with severe depression and psychotic experiences among college students ( Oh et al, 2021a ; Oh et al, 2021c ).…”

Psychotic experiences among informal caregivers: findings from 48 low- and middle-income countries

“…However, to the best of our knowledge, there is currently only one previous study on caregiving and PE. This large US study including only college students found that caregiving to COVID-19 patients was not significantly associated with PE [ 19 ]. However, the generalizability of this previous study is severely limited, given that the sample was relatively young and highly educated, occurring in the midst of a pandemic in a high-income country.…”