The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the general population: a comparison between Germany and the UK

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to dramatic social and economic changes in daily life. First studies report an impact on mental health of the general population showing increased levels of anxiety, stress and depression. In this study, we compared the impact of the pandemic on two culturally and economically similar European countries: the UK and Germany. Methods Participants (UK = 241, German = 541) completed an online-survey assessing COVID-19 exposure, impact on financial situation and work, substance and media consumption, mental health using the Symptom-Check-List-27 (SCL-27) and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. Results We found distinct differences between the two countries. UK responders reported a stronger direct impact on health, financial situation and families. UK responders had higher clinical scores on the SCL-27, and higher prevalence. Interestingly, German responders were less hopeful for an end of the pandemic and more concerned about their life-stability. Conclusion As 25% of both German and UK responders reported a subjective worsening of the general psychological symptoms and 20–50% of German and UK responders reached the clinical cut-off for depressive and dysthymic symptoms as well as anxieties, it specifically shows the need for tailored intervention systems to support large proportions of the general public.

“Yes, in Crisis We Pray”. The Role of Prayer in Coping with Pandemic Fears

“…Size and proportions of the group. More participation of women in voluntary studies on psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is rather a standard, not an exception (Dębski et al 2021;Fullana et al 2020;Juchnowicz et al 2021;Knolle et al 2021;Nikolaidis et al 2021;Padmanabhanunni and Pretorius 2021;Palgi et al 2020;Pierce et al 2020), not meaning that we are unaware of the limitations of conclusions caused by this situation. The number of respondents we obtained was generally low, although sufficient to test the formulated hypotheses.…”

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental and physical health in Denmark – a longitudinal population-based study before and during the first wave

“…Initial studies into the Covid-19 pandemic have also shown negative impact of the outbreak and the following restrictions on physical and mental health in general populations, resulting in e.g. increased levels of stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] as well as negative economic consequences and societal disruptions [17]. However, a review and meta-analysis concluded that the psychological impact from the Covid-19 lockdown on general populations was small and highly heterogeneous [18].…”

Validity and reliability of the Serbian COVID Stress Scales

“…For example, in the United Kingdom, where lockdown was came into force somewhat later than in other countries in the European Union and funding of preventive measures was ten times lower compared to Germany, a more severe direct impact of COVID-19 on health, financial situation and families. By contrast, people in Germany were less optimistic regarding the end of the epidemic, but more worried about their life [ 15 ]. Another study that compared people in Poland and China found that less strict demand for face masks use in Poland compared to China was associated with more intense anxiety, depression and stress, as well as physical symptoms related to the COVID-19 infection [ 16 ].…”