scholarly journals PTSD symptoms related to COVID-19 as a high risk factor for suicide - Key to prevention

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshinori Chiba ◽  
Taiki Oka ◽  
Toshitaka Hamamura ◽  
Nao Kobayashi ◽  
Masaru Honjo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Surrogate Endpoint ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Added Value ◽  
National Database ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
The Impact

SummaryBackgroundRising rates of suicide, the most dreadful consequence of mental health effects elicited by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) are cause for grave concern. However, the exact association between mental health problems and suicide remains largely unknown in relation to COVID-19.MethodsTo determine the impact of COVID-19 on suicide trajectory, we used an interrupted time-series design to analyze monthly suicides rates extracted from Japan’s national database. We next used mixed-effects regression models to investigate the relationship between the nationwide suicide increase in August 2020 and psychiatric states of 4,348 individuals from an online survey performed immediately before (December 2019) and during (August 2020) the pandemic. Psychiatric states included depression, anxiety, and COVID-19-related PTSD, a form of severe event-related stress.FindingsIn Japan, suicides had gradually decreased before COVID-19 (β = −0·7×10−3, t57 = −14·2, p = 8·6×10−46), but increased drastically after a state of emergency was declared in April 2020 (β = 0·9×10−2, t57 = 17·3, p = 2·3×10−67). We found that PTSD symptoms reliably predict COVID-19’s impact on suicide rates (β = 6·3×10−4, t3936 = 5·96, p = 2·7×10−9). In contrast, depression scores are a reliable indicator of stress vulnerability (i.e. future suicide increases, β = 0·001, t3936 = 6·6, p = 4·5×10−11). Simulations revealed that a one-point reduction in PTSD score could decrease suicides by up to 3·1 per ten million people per month in Japan.InterpretationPTSD symptoms may help to identify high-risk groups so as to increase efficacy of prevention policies.FundingKDDI collaborative research contract, the Innovative Science and Technology Initiative for Security (JPJ004596), ATLA and AMED (JP20dm0307008).Research in contextEvidence before this studyWe searched PubMed on December 2, 2020, for “COVID” and “suicid*” in the titles or abstracts of published articles and obtained 269 hits. No language restrictions were applied to the search. Nearly all previous articles on suicide and COVID-19 have reported simulation studies of suicide counts and rates in case studies, editorials, letters, and commentaries. To date, no study has analyzed the association between psychiatric states and suicide increases in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.Added value of this studyTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting a concrete approach to predict suicide rate increases from psychiatric states during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings indicate that PTSD symptoms are a reliable surrogate endpoint of pandemic-related suicide increase.Implications of all available evidenceThis work provides a new perspective on preparing guidelines for suicide prevention. Efforts should focus on reducing PTSD severity for single individuals and populations to reduce the overall suicide risk.

scholarly journals Psychological Responses According to Gender during the Early Stage of COVID-19 in Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3731
Author(s):  
Lucía del Río-Casanova ◽  
Milagrosa Sánchez-Martín ◽  
Ana García-Dantas ◽  
Anabel González-Vázquez ◽  
Ania Justo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Psychological Responses ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Background: Current research has pointed out an increased risk of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in women compared to men, however the reason for this difference remains unclear. The aim of this research is to study early psychological responses to the pandemic in the Spanish general population, focusing on gender differences. Methods: Nine to 14 days after the declaration of a state of emergency an online survey was conducted assessing sociodemographic, health, behavioral and COVID-19-related variables. Mental health status was evaluated by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Self-Care Scale (SCS). Results: The study included 3520 respondents: 2611 women and 909 men. Women scored significantly higher in DASS-21 and IES-R (p < 0.05) and were more likely to somatize, suffer from hypochondriasis, sleeping disturbances and claustrophobia (p < 0.05). Being a woman can be considered a risk factor for intrusive thoughts, avoidance mechanisms, stress and anxiety (Odd Ratio = 2.7/2.3/2.3/1.6). The risk of presenting posttraumatic symptoms and emotional distress was greater in women (Odd Ratio = 6.77/4.59). General linear models to predict IES-R and DASS-21 scores clarified which variables were gender specific, such as main concerns. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that at early stages of the pandemic, women mental health was more impacted and that both genders show different concerns. Gender perspective in secondary and tertiary prevention strategies must be taken into account when facing the distress associated with the pandemic.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical and Mental Health of 5-12 Years Old Children from Parents’ Perspective: A cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 92-102
Author(s):  
Isha Tajane ◽  
Aamena Golwala ◽  
Devanshi Nangia ◽  
Isha Chavan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychosocial Wellbeing ◽  
Crisis Recovery ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced children to spend increased amounts of time at home resulting in adverse effects on their physical and psychosocial wellbeing. Parents need to be aware about the changes in the mental and physical health of the children. Objectives: To identify the physical and mental health problems the children are facing because of the lockdown and to assess the awareness of such problems amongst the parents. Design: A cross sectional online survey was conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental health of the children from parents' perspectives. Setting: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Main Outcome Measure: Parent reported questionnaire. Results and conclusion: There were a significant increase in the number of hours spent on mobile phones, sitting, and sleeping during the lockdown as compared to before the lockdown whereas the number of hours spent on physical activity significantly decreased and also impacted their mental health. By taking part in the survey, the parents of the children became aware of the changes occurring in their child. These findings can guide immediate programmatic and policy efforts to preserve and promote child health during the COVID-19 outbreak and crisis recovery period, and to inform strategies to mitigate potential harm during future pandemics.

scholarly journals The influence of early familial adversity on adolescent risk behaviors and mental health: Stability and transition in family adversity profiles in a cohort sample

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 437-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Wadman ◽  
Rachel M. Hiller ◽  
Michelle C. St Clair
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Economic Hardship ◽  
Parental Conflict ◽  
Family Adversity ◽  
Adolescent Risk ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAlthough familial adversity is associated with poorer outcomes in childhood and adulthood, little research has looked at the influence of stability or transition between distinct familial adversity subgroups or the impact in adolescence. Using data from the 9-month, 3-, 5-, and 14-year time waves of the Millennium Cohort Study (n > 18,000), we used latent class analysis to identify distinct classes of early familial adversity (marital instability/conflict, “suboptimal” parenting, economic disadvantage, and parental mental health problems) and the impact of these adversity classes on adolescent (a) mental health (including self-harm), (b) risk taking, (c) criminality, and (d) victimization. Four profiles were identified largely differing on economic hardship, family composition, and parental conflict. Across the first three time points, 72% of the sample remained stable, with the remainder transitioning between classes. Adolescents in the higher risk groups (particularly categorized by economic hardship or high parental conflict) had poorer outcomes in adolescence. Transitioning to a higher adversity group at any time in the first 5 years was associated with poorer outcomes but was particularly pronounced when the transition occurred when the child was under 3 years. These findings demonstrate the broad consequences of early familial adversity and the need for targeted early support for at-risk families.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Related Factors of Depression, Anxiety, Acute Stress, and Insomnia Symptoms Among Medical Staffs Experiencing the Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Xinjiang, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongzhi Zhao ◽  
Junlong Guo ◽  
Shuai Liu ◽  
Muyeseer Aizezi ◽  
Qiong Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Second Wave ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

The prevalence and related factors of mental health impact among medical staffs who experienced the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in China is unknown. Therefore, this survey was conducted to investigate the prevalence and related factors of depressive, anxiety, acute stress, and insomnia symptoms in medical staffs in Kashi, Xinjiang, China during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among medical staffs working in First People's Hospital of Kashi, Xinjiang. The questionnaire collected demographic data and self-design questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Impact of Events Scale-6, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Chinese Big Five Personality Inventory-15, and the Trait Coping Style Questionnaire were used to measure psychological symptoms or characteristics. Binary logistic regression was carried out to examine the associations between socio-demographic factors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. In total, data from 123 participants were finally included, among which the prevalence rate of depressive, anxiety, acute stress, and insomnia symptoms is 60.2, 49.6, 43.1, and 41.1%, respectively. The regression model revealed that minority ethnicity, being worried about infection, spending more time on following pandemic information, and neurotic personality were positively associated with the mental health symptoms, while extraversion personality, higher education level, and better social support were negatively associated. In our study, the prevalence of mental health impact was high among medical staffs in Kashi, China who experienced the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several factors were found to be associated with mental health conditions. These findings could help identify medical staffs at risk for mental health problems and be helpful for making precise mental health intervention policies during the resurgence. Our study may pave way for more research into Xinjiang during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Impact of viral epidemic outbreaks on mental health of healthcare workers: a rapid systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignacio Ricci-Cabello ◽  
Jose F. Meneses-Echavez ◽  
Maria Jesús Serrano-Ripoll ◽  
David Fraile-Navarro ◽  
Maria Antònia Fiol de Roque ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
List Type ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo examine the impact of providing healthcare during or after health emergencies caused by viral epidemic outbreaks on healthcare workers′(HCWs) mental health, and to assess the available evidence base regarding interventions to reduce such impact.DesignSystematic rapid review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesMEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO, searched up to 23 March 2020.MethodWe selected observational and experimental studies examining the impact on mental health of epidemic outbreaks on HCWs. One reviewer screened titles and abstracts, and two reviewers independently reviewed full texts. We extracted study characteristics, symptoms, prevalence of mental health problems, risk factors, mental health interventions, and its impact. We assessed risk of bias for each individual study and used GRADE to ascertain the certainty of the evidence. We conducted a narrative and tabulated synthesis of the results. We pooled data using random-effects meta-analyses to estimate the prevalence of specific mental health problems.ResultsWe included 61 studies (56 examining impact on mental health and five about interventions to reduce such impact). Most were conducted in Asia (59%), in the hospital setting (79%), and examined the impact of the SARS epidemic (69%). The pooled prevalence was higher for anxiety (45%, 95% CI 21 to 69%; 6 studies, 3,373 participants), followed by depression (38%, 95% CI 15 to 60%; 7 studies, 3,636 participants), acute stress disorder (31%, 95% CI 0 to 82%, 3 studies, 2,587 participants), burnout (29%, 95% CI 25 to 32%; 3 studies; 1,168 participants), and post-traumatic stress disorder (19%, 95% CI 11 to 26%, 10 studies, 3,121 participants). Based on 37 studies, we identified factors associated with the likelihood of developing those problems, including sociodemographic (younger age and female gender), social (lack of social support, social rejection or isolation, stigmatization), and occupational (working in a high risk environment (frontline staff), specific occupational roles (e.g., nurse), and lower levels of specialised training, preparedness and job experience) factors. Five studies reported interventions for frontline HCW, two of which were educational and aimed to prevent mental health problems by increasing HCWs′ resilience. These interventions increased confidence in support and training, pandemic self-efficacy, and interpersonal problems solving (very low certainty). One multifaceted intervention implemented training and organisational changes) targeted at hospital nurses during the SARS epidemic, reporting improvements in anxiety, depression, and sleep quality (very low certainty). The two remaining interventions, which were multifaceted and based on psychotherapy provision, did not assess their impact.ConclusionThe prevalence of anxiety, depression, acute and post-traumatic stress disorder, and burnout, was high both during and after the outbreaks. These problems not only have a long-lasting effect on the mental health of HCWs, but also hinder the urgent response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, by jeopardising attention and decision-making. Governments and healthcare authorities should take urgent actions to protect the mental health of HCWs. In light of the limited evidence regarding the impact of interventions to tackle mental health problems in HCWs, the risk factors identified in this study, more so when they are modifiable, represent important targets for future interventions.SUMARY BOX1:What is already known on this topic?Previous studies showed that healthcare workers involved providing frontline care during viral epidemic outbreaks are at high risk of developing mental health problems.Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need to synthesize the evidence regarding the impact of viral epidemic outbreaks on mental health of healthcare workers.2:What does this study add?This timely systematic rapid review offers for the first time pooled estimations of the prevalence of the most common mental health problems experienced by HCWs during and after viral epidemic outbreaks, namely anxiety (45%), depression (38%), and acute stress disorder (31%), among others.Our study also identifies a broad number of factors associated with these conditions, including sociodemographic factors such as younger age and female gender, social factors such as lack of social support, social rejection or isolation, stigmatization, and occupational factors such as working in a high risk environment, specific occupational roles, and having lower levels of specialised training, preparedness and job experience.Our study shows that, although educational and multifaceted interventions might mitigate the development of mental health problems, the certainty on the evidence is very low - therefore indicating that further high quality research is urgently needed to inform evidence-based policies for viral pandemics.

scholarly journals The Impact of Social Support on Students’ Behavior in the Context of Iraqi Medical Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (E) ◽  
pp. 1553-1559
Author(s):  
I. D. Al-Hasani ◽  
H. S. Salih ◽  
A. T. Abdul Wahid ◽  
Mohammed Jabarah
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are reflected and linked to human behavior in many aspects. Medical students are susceptible to a wide variety of events that compromise their mental well-being, social life as well as their academic achievements. AIM: This study aimed to find the impact of social support on medical students’ behavior in Iraq via assessing their depression, anxiety, and stress status. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey-based study targeted all medical students in Iraq. The employed questionnaires covered mental health status of participants by evaluating their perceptions of depression, anxiety, and stress using. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant influence of social support on students’ perceptions of depression and anxiety, but not of their perception of stress. CONCLUSION: Lending social support to medical student is crucial to improve their depression and anxiety with all the positive results that the support brings to their behavior and social life. However, they need more than the social support to keep them safe from academic and daily life stressors.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic: Influence of Relationship Status on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Canada

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Nnamdi Nkire ◽  
Izu Nwachukwu ◽  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
Marianne Hrabok ◽  
Wesley Vuong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Relationship Status ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the impact of relationship status on levels of stress, anxiety, and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, to identify the relationship groups who are at greater risk, thereby facilitating channelling of appropriate support to these individuals. Methods: The sample was drawn from individuals who subscribed to the Text4Hope program, a cognitive behavioural therapy inspired text messaging service developed to support Albertans during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey link was sent to the subscribers to ascertain their relationship status and assess psychopathology using the Perceived Stress Scale-10(PSS-10), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data analysis was carried out using SPSS-26 for descriptive statistics. Results: Within the first six weeks of the pandemic, 8,267 of 44,992 subscribers responded to the online survey giving a response rate of 19.4%. Mean scores on the PSS, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 were highest among those who were single and lowest amongst those who were widowed. Overall, mean scores on the PHQ-9 were higher in groups self-identified as separated or divorced in comparison to those with partners including the categories of married or cohabiting. Conclusions: Relationship status during the COVID-19 pandemic has an influence on the mental health of individuals. Our findings highlight relationship groups at risk of mental health problems during the pandemic and for whom treatments and mitigation should be targeted.

Mental health stigma among people of color: An examination of the impact of racial discrimination

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 458-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Krill Williston ◽  
Jennifer H Martinez ◽  
Tahirah Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Racial Discrimination ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
People Of Color ◽  
Mental Health Stigma ◽  
Negative Beliefs ◽  
Anticipated Stigma ◽  
The Impact

Objective: The primary goal of this study was to examine the relations between racial discrimination experiences and different dimensions of mental health stigma among a diverse sample of people of color. Method: Participants were recruited through blast emails at a large public university and completed an online survey ( N = 205). Four linear regressions were completed predicting from recent racial discrimination experiences to (1) negative beliefs about mental health problems, (2) treatments, (3) treatment seeking and (4) anticipated stigma. Results: Results indicated that recent racial discrimination experiences contributed unique variance in anticipated stigma from loved ones, as well as negative beliefs about mental health problems. Conclusion and Implications for Practice: Racial discrimination contributes to increased anticipated stigma and negative beliefs about mental health problems. Addressing the impact of racial discrimination as it influences these dimensions of mental health stigma is important to promote recovery among people of color.

scholarly journals The hidden crisis: COVID-19 and impact on mental health of medical students in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazish Imran ◽  
Imran Ijaz Haider ◽  
Ali Burhan Mustafa ◽  
Irum Aamer ◽  
Zahid Kamal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Medical Colleges

Abstract Background Medical students have faced an enormous disruption to their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on medical student’s psychological well-being in Pakistan. Following ethical approval, an online survey developed in collaboration with World Psychiatric Association (WPA) was distributed among medical students of 5 Medical colleges in the Punjab province of Pakistan between August and September 2020. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and Risk Assessment Suicidality Scale (RASS) were used to assess psychological well-being. Data was analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Results Eleven hundred medical students responded, 756 (69%) being females. More than 2/3rd admitted that their emotional state got worse in relation to appearance of anxiety, insecurity, and sadness, compared to before the outbreak of COVID-19. Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms were 48.6% and 48.1%, respectively. Female medical students, pre-clinical students, and those with a previous psychiatric history reported experiencing more anxiety and depression symptoms (P value < 0.001). One in five medical students thought that it would be better if they were dead, and 8% admitted to often think of committing suicide during the past 2 weeks. RASS and subscales (intention, life, and history) scores were higher in females and students with previous psychiatric problems. Conclusion Our findings underscore that the impact of COVID-19 on medical students has been significant; hence, it is crucial for medical colleges to employ strategies to maintain the student’s well-being with safeguards like reassurance, support, and confidential student-centered psychiatric services. The use of virtual platforms (websites, email) to educate and screen students by staff members can create a positive impact. The limitations of this study include cross-sectional design, the possibility of selective participation being web-based survey, response bias, and the possibility of reluctance of students to report mental health problems due to stigma.

AN EVALUATION OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF COVID 19 ON UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA.

2021 ◽  
pp. 70-73
Author(s):  
Sagarika Ray ◽  
Amit Kumar Pal
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
West Bengal ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Sudden Change ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Medical Undergraduate ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: The COVID 19 pandemic has wreaked havoc in the lives of people all over the world. Due to the sudden change in the way of life mental health problems have been rising across the globe. Medical students have been no exception to this. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess whether the pandemic has adversely affected the mental health of undergraduate medical students of West Bengal, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted using standardized questionnaires, namely Perceived Stress Scale and Beck Depression Inventory, to assess the levels of stress and depression among the students. Specic stressors affecting the students were also studied. RESULTS: Moderate or severe levels of stress and/or depression were reported by 83.87% out of the 465 students who participated in the study. However only 21.08% of them have sought professional help. The most stressful factor for rst year students was the online mode of education, while that for the second and third year students was uncertainty about future, and that for nal year students was the impact on internship rotations and clinical experience. CONCLUSIONS: COVID 19 pandemic has signicantly affected the mental health of medical undergraduate students in India. The treatment gap has to be reduced to ensure a better quality of life for the individual, and thus benet the entire society at large.

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