Increased Self-Reported Mental Health Problems Among Asian-Americans During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Database

Abstract

Background To investigate changes in mental health outcomes among racial groups between 2019 and 2020. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the third through fourth quarters of 2019–2020 longitudinal data from the National Health Interview Survey. Self-reports of diagnosed depression and anxiety disorder were key outcomes. We calculated the percentage of depression and anxiety disorder across baseline sample characteristics. Discrete-time hazard models stratified by race/ethnicity were conducted, with hazard ratios (HRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p -values reported. Results Of a total 10,415 individuals, 16.3 and 14.1% reported that they were diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder in 2019, respectively. In the multivariable model, only Asian-Americans experienced a significant increase in the probability of receiving a diagnosis of depression by 104% between 2019 and 2020 (HR 2.04, 95%CI 1.19–3.52; p = 0.010). Also, Asian-Americans had a 97% (HR 1.97, 95%CI 1.23–3.15; p = 0.005) greater probability of being diagnosed with anxiety disorder in 2020 than in the previous year, while Hispanics and Whites had a relatively moderate increase of 40% (HR 1.40, 95%CI 1.01–1.76; p = 0.040) and 11% (HR 1.11, 95%CI 1.03–1.20; p = 0.007), respectively. Conclusions Asian-Americans experienced a disproportionate increase in mental health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discriminatory behaviors against Asian-Americans may be important contributors. The study findings suggest the need for serious actions to address this issue.

Exploring patterns in mental health treatment and interests of single adults in the United States: a secondary data analysis

“…Given that the study data stems from a 2022 survey, the exclusion of Asian participants from analyses is particularly noteworthy due to associations observed in the research literature between mental health, race, and the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, Lee and Howard ( 88 ) reported increases in the probability of Asian Americans receiving an anxiety or depression diagnosis between 2019 and 2020, and suggest this may be in part due to increased anti-Asian hate crimes stoked by inaccurate media coverage regarding the origins of the COVID-19 virus. As a result, our inability to comment on Asian singles’ engagement in mental health treatment or their interest in attending psychotherapy in the future is an important limitation of this study.…”

Considerations for working with Asian Americans across the psychosis spectrum following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“…Zhou et al, 2022). Additionally, there has been a disproportionate increase in anxiety and depression in AA since the start of the pandemic (Lee & Howard, 2023). However, there remains immense diversity across this population in how discrimination may or may not affect mental health.…”

Mental health priorities and cultural-responsiveness of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for Asian immigrant populations in Greater Boston, Massachusetts

“…Moreover, with the COVID19 pandemic, Asian communities have experienced significant increases in mental health issues [ 4 , 5 ]. From 2019 to 2020, depression diagnoses increased by 104% and anxiety disorders by 97% for Asian populations in the US [ 6 ]. In 2021, more than 4 in 10 Asian persons reported current mental health symptoms [ 7 ], and one in every six Asian adults reported experiencing a hate crime or hate incidence [ 8 – 10 ].…”