The impact of COVID-related perceived stress and social support on generalized anxiety and major depressive disorders: moderating effects of pre-pandemic mental disorders

Abstract

Background We assessed the moderating effect of pre-pandemic mental disorders on the association of COVID-related perceived stress and social support with mental health. Methods A nationally representative sample of 3500 Spanish adults was interviewed in June 2020 (mean age 49.25 years, ± 15.64; 51.50% females). Mental health included Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD; GAD-7, cut-off point of ≥ 10), Major Depressive Disorders (MDD; PHQ-8, cut-off point of ≥ 10) and the comorbid form (those screening positive for GAD and MDD). COVID-related stress was assessed using an adapted version of the Peri Life Events Scale, and social support using the Oslo Social Support Scale. Logistic regression models were used to assess if COVID-related stress and social support were related to mental health outcomes and interactions were conducted to examine whether these relationships differed according to the presence of pre-pandemic mental disorders. Results Higher COVID-related stress was associated with a higher risk of lower mental health. The association between COVID-related stress with GAD and MDD was significantly moderated by pre-pandemic mental disorders, except for comorbid GAD + MDD. Higher levels of social support were linked to better mental health. Only the association between social support and GAD was significantly moderated by pre-pandemic mental disorders. That is, for those without pre-pandemic mental disorders, higher levels of social support decreased the odds of GAD, while minor decreases were observed in those with pre-pandemic mental disorders. Conclusions The impact of COVID-related stress and social support on specific indicators of mental health may vary depending on the existence of a previous mental disorder.

Major Depression in Postpartum Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Can Social Support Buffer Psychosocial Risks and Substance Use?

“…This finding is in line with previous longitudinal research [ 51 ] and suggests that for recently postpartum women who met the criteria for GAD, the presence of social support did not significantly reduce the impact of anxiety on MDD. Moreover, research has shown that individuals with pre-pandemic mental health disorders experienced little benefit from high levels of social support regarding GAD symptomology [ 52 ]. We did not assess timing of social support which might be important in predicting mental health status among postpartum women [ 53 , 54 ].…”

Mental health and psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures among young adults in Bogotá, Colombia

“…The factors impacting young people during the pandemic could be grouped in three main areas: i) relationships, ii) lifestyle and health and iii) functionality and economic impact. With respect to relationships, a study with adults in Spain showed that higher levels of social support decreased the probability of having anxiety disorders during the pandemic [25] . The social and mobility restrictions during the early phase of the pandemic represent complex interventions with no homogeneous effect in young people, but with a particular negative effect in their mental health and their relationship with peers.…”

Associations between social support and anxiety during the COVID-19 lockdown in young and middle-aged Israelis: A cross-sectional study

“…These epidemiological studies underscore the positive effects of social support on anxiety disorders. Similarly, during the special period of COVID-19’s outbreak, in a cross-sectional survey of 3500 Spanish adults, it was found that for those without pre-pandemic mental disorders, higher levels of social support decreased the odds of GAD-7[ 26 ]. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey, it was also found that anxiety levels decreased significantly when perceived social support increased[ 4 ].…”