Coronavirus disease 2019: achieving good mental health during social isolation

Diamond, Rowan; Willan, John

doi:10.1192/bjp.2020.91

Cited by 18 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…As for useful coping strategies, daily routines, day planning, enjoyable activities and mild physical activities were experienced as most useful by patients with AN. This is in line with suggestions for achieving good mental health during COVID‐19 social isolation by Diamond and Willan (2020) who recommended among other things that building a routine, physical activity (even light physical activity) and mindfulness might be beneficial.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Eating disorders in times of the COVID‐19 pandemic—Results from an online survey of patients with anorexia nervosa

Schlegl

Maier

Meule

et al. 2020

Intl J Eating Disorders

203

274

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Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting public restrictions pose a psychological burden for humans worldwide and may be particularly detrimental for individuals with mental disorders. Therefore, the current study explored effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating disorder (ED) symptoms and other psychological aspects in former inpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Method: One-hundred and fifty-nine patients with AN-discharged from inpatient treatment in 2019-completed an online survey on contact history with COVID-19, changes in ED symptoms and other psychological aspects, health care utilization, and strategies patients employed to cope during the pandemic. Results: Approximately 70% of patients reported that eating, shape and weight concerns, drive for physical activity, loneliness, sadness, and inner restlessness increased during the pandemic. Access to in-person psychotherapies and visits at the general practitioner (including weight checks) decreased by 37% and 46%, respectively. Videoconference therapy was used by 26% and telephone contacts by 35% of patients. Patients experienced daily routines, day planning and enjoyable activities as the most helpful among the most used coping strategies. Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic poses great challenges to patients with AN. ED-related thoughts and behaviors may be used as dysfunctional coping mechanisms to regain control over the current circumstances. E-mental health interventions appear to be promising for supporting AN patients during these hard times. Furthermore, interventions addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as intolerance of uncertainty might help them manage their ED symptoms.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Eating disorders in times of the COVID‐19 pandemic—Results from an online survey of patients with anorexia nervosa

Schlegl

Maier

Meule

et al. 2020

Intl J Eating Disorders

203

274

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to unprecedented interruptions to the normal way of life for many individuals around the world ( Diamond and Willan, 2020 ). Compared to other infections, the virus poses a unique global challenge for several reasons, such as its rate of spread, uncertainties about the virus and its future, conflicting information from health and government authorities, and its lethality ( Holmes et al, 2020 ; Lazzerini and Putoto, 2020 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychological Pathways Linking Public Trust During the Coronavirus Pandemic to Mental and Physical Well-being

Olagoke

Hughes

2020

Front. Psychol.

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The well-being of the public during the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is deeply rooted in institutional trust in the government’s risk communication effort. The objective of this study was to examine the psychological pathway through which public trust in the government is associated with mental and physical well-being. We collected cross-sectional data from 501 participants aged ≥18 years using an online panel. Public trust in the government was assessed as our exposure variable. We screened for psychological distress by combining the Patient Health Questionnaire and the General Anxiety Disorder scale. Physical well-being was examined using self-rated health. We further assessed the roles of risk perceptions. The author conducted a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s correlations, multivariable regressions, and mediation analyses (using the Preachers and Hayes’ approach). Participants were 55.29% female, 67.86% Caucasian/white with a mean age of 32.44 ± 11.94 years. Public trust in the government regarding COVID-19 was negatively correlated with psychological distress ( r = −0.20; p < 0.001) and positively associated with physical well-being ( r = 0.13; p < 0.001). After adjusting for sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors, public trust remained negatively associated with psychological distress (β = −0.19; 95% confidence intervals, [CI] −0.30, −0.09) and positively associated with physical well-being (β = 0.26; 95% CI [0.16, −0.37]). Perceived self-efficacy to practice COVID-19 protective behavior partially mediated the relationship between public trust and psychological distress (13.07%); and physical well-being (28.02%). Perceived self-efficacy to protect self against COVID-19 infection can serve as a psychological pathway through which public trust may be associated with mental and physical health.

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“…For example, anxiety about leaving the house, the closure of gym facilities, and less opportunity to exercise with others. Whilst increasing physical activity has not traditionally been within the remit of psychological therapists in mental health services, it has been recognized that this may be an important modifiable factor for the improvement of mental health through COVID‐19 (Diamond & Willan, 2020) and should be a focus of future research and endeavour (Holmes et al ., 2020). In the shifting landscape of the COVID‐19 crisis, new priorities for treatment are emerging for which psychologists already have applicable skills.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical activity in a pandemic: A new treatment target for psychological therapy

Diamond

2020

Psychol Psychother

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The COVID‐19 pandemic and its management are placing significant new strains on people’s well‐being, particularly those with pre‐existing mental health conditions. Physical activity has been shown to improve mental as well as physical health. Increasing activity levels should be prioritized as a treatment target, especially when the barriers to exercise are greater than ever. Promoting physical activity has not traditionally been the remit of psychologists. Yet psychological theory and therapeutic techniques can be readily applied to address physical inactivity. We present theoretical perspectives and therapy techniques relating to (1) beliefs about physical activity, (2) motivation to be physically active, and (3) the sense of reward achieved through being physically active. We outline strategies to initiate and maintain physical activity during the COVID‐19 pandemic, thereby benefitting mental and physical health. COVID‐19 is demanding rapid and substantial change across the whole health care system. Psychological therapists can respond creatively by addressing physical activity, a treatable clinical target which delivers both mental and physical health benefits. Practitioner points Physical activity is essential for our mental and physical health. Yet COVID‐19 presents novel barriers to physical activity. Psychological theory and techniques to address beliefs, motivation, and reward can be applied to increase physical activity during COVID‐19. Physical activity is an important clinical target to sustain and improve mental health, especially in the current pandemic.

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Coronavirus disease 2019: achieving good mental health during social isolation

Cited by 18 publications

References 2 publications

Eating disorders in times of the COVID‐19 pandemic—Results from an online survey of patients with anorexia nervosa

Eating disorders in times of the COVID‐19 pandemic—Results from an online survey of patients with anorexia nervosa

Psychological Pathways Linking Public Trust During the Coronavirus Pandemic to Mental and Physical Well-being

Physical activity in a pandemic: A new treatment target for psychological therapy

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