BackgroundThe 2019 coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic led to elevated levels of psychological distress on a global scale. Given that individuals with pre‐existing physical conditions are at risk for worse COVID‐19 outcomes, those dealing with the stress of physical health problems (including knowing someone with health problems) may experience more severe distress during the pandemic.MethodsPatients with emotional disorders who completed a diagnostic assessment in the 6 months prior to COVID‐19 were surveyed in May–June 2020 on their emotional reactions to COVID‐19 (N = 77).ResultsMultiple linear regression was used to test the hypothesis that chronic stress due to having and knowing others with physical health problems would predict COVID‐related worries and behaviours, holding pre‐COVID levels of depression, anxiety and worry about health constant. Chronic stress surrounding the health of others was significantly associated with experiencing more severe COVID‐related worry and behaviours. In comparison, chronic stress due to one's own health problems had weak and non‐significant associations with COVID‐related worries and behaviours.ConclusionsResults indicate that outpatients who report stress about surrounding loved one's health are at risk for experiencing more severe distress during a health pandemic and thus, may benefit from targeted outreach, assessment and intervention.
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