The Swiss Corona Stress Study: second pandemic wave, November 2020

Abstract

The results of the third survey of the Swiss Corona Stress Study refer to the period from November 11-19, 2020, during which 11,612 people from all over Switzerland participated. Stress levels have increased significantly compared to the first survey during lockdown in April 2020. While the proportion of people reporting maximum stress levels was around 11% during the April lockdown, it rose to 20% in the second pandemic wave in November. The increase in stress was accompanied by an increase in depressive symptoms. The main drivers of psychological stress and depressive symptoms included burden due to a Covid-19-related change in work, school, or education, Covid-19-related financial losses, and fears about the future. These stressors have increased significantly, compared to the time of the April lockdown. Further factors were the fear that someone in the closest circle would become seriously ill or die from COVID-19, as well as the burden of social restrictions and burden from an increase in conflicts at home. While the proportion of respondents with moderately severe or severe (PHQ-9 ≥15) depressive symptoms was 3% before the pandemic, 9% during the April lockdown, and 12% during May, it increased to 18% in November. The risk for moderately severe or severe depressive symptoms was associated with age (with younger people showing the highest risk) and was increased in people experiencing financial losses due to the pandemic. In addition, people from the French-speaking part of Switzerland, which was most affected by the pandemic during the second wave, were at higher risk than people from the rest of Switzerland.

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“…Many countries have implemented lockdowns to prevent the spread of infection. While these lockdowns have been effective in reducing the spread of infection, many negative psychological effects have been reported, including a high prevalence of psychiatric symptoms, such as depression and anxiety [2][3][4][5][6][7] .…”

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“…Thus, it is impossible to distinguish the effects of COVID-19 from pre-existing conditions. The interpretation of our findings regarding depression and anxiety is further limited by the psychological burden that the pandemic may impose in general [ 48 , 49 ]. While we tried to compare our results with estimates from the general population, applicable comparison data was not available.…”

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“…Interpretation of results relating to the impact of COVID-19 on depression and anxiety is further limited by the psychological burden that lockdown measures and the pandemic may have on individuals in general. [36,37] While we tried to compare our results to data from the general population, directly comparable data was not available for most outcomes.…”