Shevlin - anxiety, depression, traumatic stress, and covid 19

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

We investigated the prevalence of COVID-19-related anxiety, generalised anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms in the UK population during an early phase of the pandemic, and estimated associations with variables likely to influence these symptoms.

Question 2

Sample

Answer 2

a quota sample of 2025 UK adults aged 18 years and older, stratified by age, gender and household income, was recruited by online survey company Qualtrics
The mean age of the sample was 45.44 years

Question 3

Measures used

Answer 3

Psychiatric Morbidity Survey in England estimated the rate of post-traumatic stress disorder

Survey was completed online using qualtrics

Nine symptoms of depression were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9

Symptoms of generalised anxiety were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale (GAD-7)

The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ)Reference Cloitre, Shevlin, Brewin, Bisson, Roberts and Maercker18 is a self-report measure of ICD-11

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

Higher levels of anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms were reported compared with previous population studies, but not dramatically so. Anxiety or depression and trauma symptoms were predicted by young age, presence of children in the home, and high estimates of personal risk. Anxiety and depression were also predicted by low income, loss of income and pre-existing health conditions in self and others. Specific anxiety about COVID-19 was greater in older participants.

There was no significant difference between prevalence of depression for males and females

Significantly more females (25.1 %) screened positive for anxiety than males

There was a significant gender difference, with a higher prevalence of traumatic stress for males

Significant gender difference, with a higher prevalence of COVID-19 anxiety for females

Question 5

Conclusions

Answer 5

This study showed a modest increase in the prevalence of mental health problems in the early stages of the pandemic, and these problems were predicted by several specific COVID-related variables. Further similar surveys, particularly of those with children at home, are required as the pandemic progresses.