Worsening of Pre-Existing Psychiatric Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study anonymously examined 2,734 psychiatric patients worldwide for worsening of their pre-existing psychiatric condition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Valid responses mainly from 12 featured countries indicated self-reported worsening of psychiatric conditions in 2/3 rd of the patients assessed that was validated through their significantly higher scores on scales for general psychological disturbance, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression. Female gender, feeling no control of the situation and reporting dissatisfaction with the response of the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, and reduced interaction with family and friends increased the worsening of pre-existing psychiatric conditions, whereas optimism, ability to share concerns with family and friends and using social media like usual were associated with less worsening. An independent clinical investigation from the USA confirmed worsening of psychiatric conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic based on identification of new symptoms that necessiated clinical interventions such as dose adjustment or starting new medications in more than half of the patients.

What Is the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Pre-Existing Mood or Anxiety Disorder? An Observational Prospective Study

“…As reported in the Introduction, data on the topic are scant and controversial. Our findings are consistent with those of some previous studies, showing resilience and no worsening of pre-existing mood or anxiety disorder symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic [19][20][21], but in contrast with those of other studies, reporting a high psychological vulnerability and a worsening of symptoms as a consequence of the pandemic stress [14][15][16][17][18].…”

“…One possible reason for the conflicting results could be the different methodology in patients' recruitment. In fact, three of five clinical studies showing a worsening of symptoms were conducted through surveys [14][15][16], while three of four studies not showing a worsening of symptoms were conducted in clinical settings, all in person (including the present study) or partially in person and partially by phone call [19,20].…”

“…However, the observational data on the topic are scant and highly controversial. A worldwide survey reported the worsening of psychiatric conditions in two thirds of 2734 psychiatric patients, with an increase in the scores on scales for psychological disturbance, posttraumatic stress disorder and depression [14]. Four clinical studies found a worsening of psychiatric conditions in 20-50% of patients with pre-existing anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and in 16% of patients with substance use disorders [15][16][17][18].…”