Risk factors for depression and anxiety during COVID‐19 in Israel: A two‐wave study before and during the pandemic

Abstract

Research indicates that mental health problems increased across the globe after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a need for research examining specific risk factors for mental health problems, while accounting for symptoms before the pandemic. This study examined risk factors for depression and anxiety symptoms among Israeli adults following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel, above and beyond depression and anxiety symptoms reported 3 years before the pandemic. We performed a two-wave 3-year longitudinal study (W1 July-September 2017; W2 May-June 2020). The final sample included 578 participants who completed anxiety and depression self-report questionnaires at both waves. The W2 assessment additionally included being considered high-risk for COVID-19, and measures regarding loneliness, perceived stress, and COVID-19 worries. Both anxiety and depression symptoms were significantly higher at W2 during the pandemic. Worries related to COVID-19, perceived stress, loneliness, and prior mental health symptoms predicted depression and anxiety in W2. Additionally, being younger was associated with W2 anxiety. The current study highlights risk factors for psychological distress in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.Attention of clinicians and policy makers should be given to the important role of loneliness when screening and treating people during this pandemic.

The Big Five personality traits and the fear of COVID-19 in predicting depression and anxiety among Japanese nurses caring for COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional study in Wakayama prefecture

“…Furthermore, it has been reported that this fear could cause anxiety and depression in majority of the population [ 50 ]. The COVID-19 pandemic increased mental health problems including depression and anxiety in general population [ 51 – 53 ]. Some studies reported a higher rate of depression and anxiety in healthcare workers than the general population [ 54 – 56 ], and the FCV-19S scores predicted risk for depression and anxiety [ 32 , 57 ].…”

The Differential Impact of Different COVID-19 Stressors on Complex PTSD, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and Executive Functions in Kuwait

“…There were no studies that compared the effects of lockdown to those of other COVID-19 stressors. In addition to reduced social support associated with reduced direct human contact that may be contributing factors, increased loneliness resulting from the lockdown has been identified as a risk factor for mental health problems (Gilbar et al, 2022; Horesh et al, 2020). Moreover, one of the important COVID-19 main stressors, the economic stressors, is mostly a consequential chain of the lockdown.…”

Quality of Life among Indonesian during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The pandemic has caused psychological distress due to imposed quarantine measures, indirect connection to affected areas, and even through repeated exposure to media coverage of the pandemic [22], [29], [30]. Lockdowns and prolonged periods of social isolation can result in depression and anxiety [11]. Depression is defined as persistent sadness and a loss of interest in previously rewarding or pleasurable activities, as well as sleep and appetite disturbances, fatigue, and poor concentration [31].…”

“…Studies from China and New York showed that long-term and short-term psychological stress can impair quality of life [4], [9]. Findings from Israel [10], [11] and Iran [12] demonstrated that mental health problems such as depression and anxiety increased worldwide following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide, approximately 21% of the population experience depression, and 6%-51% reported symptoms of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, more prevalent than what was reported before the pandemic [13], [14].…”