Results of the COVID-19 mental health international for the general population (COMET-G) study

Abstract

Introduction There are few published empirical data on the effects of COVID‐19 on mental health, and until now, there is no large international study. Material and methods During the COVID-19 pandemic, an online questionnaire gathered data from 55,589 participants from 40 countries (64.85% females aged 35.80 ± 13.61; 34.05% males aged 34.90±13.29 and 1.10% other aged 31.64±13.15). Distress and probable depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm respectively. Statistical analysis Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables. Results Probable depression was detected in 17.80% and distress in 16.71%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (31.82% vs. 13.07%). At least half of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop depression was associated with history of Bipolar disorder and self-harm/attempts (RR = 5.88). Suicidality was not increased in persons without a history of any mental disorder. Based on these results a model was developed. Conclusions The final model revealed multiple vulnerabilities and an interplay leading from simple anxiety to probable depression and suicidality through distress. This could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable. Future research and interventions should specifically focus on them.

Factors Associated With Experiences of Fear, Anxiety, Depression, and Changes in Sleep Pattern During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Adults in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with up to a seven times higher prevalence of depression ( 9 ) and over 25% mental deterioration in some populations ( 10 , 11 ). Persons with prior history of mental health disorders had higher rates of depression during the pandemic ( 12 ). Depressive symptoms were associated with testing positive for COVID-19 or having COVID-19 symptoms, exposure to social media, poor social support, unemployment, uncertainty about the future of jobs, and careers and economic crisis, especially for students ( 9 ).…”

“Post-lockdown Depression”: Adaptation Difficulties, Depressive Symptoms, and the Role of Positive Solitude When Returning to Routine After the Lifting of Nation-Wide COVID-19 Social Restrictions

“…These included lockdowns, where individuals were ordered to stay at home for weeks ( 1 ). These restrictions were found to yield psychological distress for many, with various aspects of mental health disturbance, including inflated rates of depressive symptoms, occurring across populations ( 2 , 3 ). In response to the pandemic, global efforts have been made to vaccinate entire populations to lessen mortality and lift social restrictions ( 4 , 5 ).…”

“…Note, mild depression is different than normal sadness, as based on the number, duration and quality of presented symptoms, and can be diagnosed by linguistic indicators ( 17 ). Recent literature shows that since the COVID-19 outbreak, the prevalence of depressive symptoms increased among the adult population worldwide ( 2 ). For example, in 2020 ~24.6% of adults in the USA experienced mild depressive symptoms vs. 16.2% before the pandemic.…”

Personality disorders (PD) and interpersonal violence (IV) during COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

“…While dramatic mental health outcomes (MHO) were observed in people affected by COVID-19 [ 3 ], restrictive measures have inevitably led to psychopathological consequences in the general population and health care workers [ 4 – 6 ]. Daily habits have changed to face strict prevention measures, such as lockdown, quarantine, or social distancing.…”