Post-lockdown depression and anxiety in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background The mental health impact of the pandemic after the initial lockdowns has not been well studied in the USA. Thus, the purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive and systematic national assessment of the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the adult US population. Methods A multi-item, valid and reliable questionnaire was deployed online via mTurk and social media sites to recruit adult US participants in the general population across the USA. A total of 1978 individuals participated in the study, where the majority were: females (51%), whites (74%), non-Hispanic (81%), married (56%), employed full time (68%) and with a bachelor’s degree or higher (78%). Results The prevalence of depression (39%), anxiety (42%) and psychological distress (39%) were computed from the PHQ-4 scale. In multiple regression analyses, depression, anxiety and psychological distress burden (assessed by PHQ-4 scale) was predicted significantly based on race, ethnicity, age, having children at home, employment as a healthcare worker, annual household income and area of residence. Males were more likely to have depression, and females were more likely to have anxiety symptoms. Conclusions Given the high prevalence of depression and anxiety, interdisciplinary and multisectoral approaches are recommended in the USA along with population-based interventions on mental health improvement.

COVID-19 Morbidity and Mortality in Social Networks: Does It Influence Vaccine Hesitancy?

“…The results of this study must be viewed in light of potential limitations. The results of the study are restricted by all the threats to the validity and reliability inherent to survey study designs (e.g., reliance on self-reported behaviors, recall bias in participants, socially desirable responses, and the inability to establish cause-and-effect relationships) [ 3 , 7 ]. Furthermore, a major threat to the external validity is that the sample is limited in nature (e.g., limited to those with computers and understanding of the online survey environment or those with higher education).…”

“…To ensure external validity, a power analysis was conducted for sample size estimation. Based on the total approximate population of adults in the USA ( n = 50 million), 99% confidence levels, and a conservative 3% margin of error, a total of 1383 participants were needed for the study [ 3 , 7 ].…”

Changes in Sleep Patterns and Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders during the COVID-19 Lockdown

“…In particular, COVID-19 lockdown resulted in important changes in sleep habits and sleep disorders in a large portion of the world’s population of all ages [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The increase in sleep difficulties was often associated with higher levels of psychopathological symptoms or decreased quality of life [ 3 , 7 , 8 ].…”

COVID-19 dimensions and psychotic experiences among US college students: Findings from the Healthy Mind Study 2020

“…The pandemic dramatically altered the country's way of life, which may be linked to elevated levels of mental health problems in the population ( Rajkumar, 2020 ; Luo et al, 2020 ; Xiong et al, 2020 ; Hossain et al, 2020 ; Vindegaard and Benros, 2020 ). Between 2019 and 2021, the overall prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms increased in the country ( Panchal et al, 2020 ), along with other mental health problems, substance use, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors ( Rosenberg et al, 2021 ; Khubchandani et al, 2020 ; Ammerman et al, 2021 ). COVID-19 infection may have had direct health effects that include cognitive problems and psychiatric symptoms during and even after recovery from the virus ( Whiteside et al, 2021 ).…”