Mental Distress and Psychological Disorders Related to COVID-19 Mandatory Lockdown

Abstract Background:Restrictions that were enforced from COVID-19 have affected many people’s lifestyles and ability to earn. They caused a distress that even added to the war stress that the Syrian population has encountered for the last 9 years. This study aims to assess this distress and the major concerns of the people related to COVID-19.Methods:Online questionnaires were distributed using SPTSS, K10, and MSPSS were used with other demographic, war- and COVID-19-related questions that were taken from The (CRISIS) V0.1 Adult Self-Report Baseline Form.Results:Our sample included 5588 with the mean age of 26.84 ± 7.815 years. Of those, only one was a confirmed COVID-19 case. Over 42.7% had two or more positive PTSD symptoms, 42.6% had moderate or severe mental disorder, but only 14.9% had low social support. Higher PTSD and K10 scores overall were seen in females and with most of war variables (P<0.05). Relationship with partner were negatively affected in most and distress from the declined ability to work and provide food were the most prominent.Conclusions:The indirect effect of COVID-19 is far more than that of the pathogen itself. Reduced ability to earn and to provide food was the main concerns. Relationships deteriorated mainly in participants with high K10 and PTSD scores who also felt more symptoms and used more hypnotics in the last 4 weeks. Smoking changes were not related to K10 and PTSD. Social support played a role in reducing stress, but with the relationships being affected, lower support was seen.

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Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-020-03002-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ameer Kakaje ◽

Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽

Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽

Leen Makki ◽

Ayham Alyousbashi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Mental Distress ◽

Poverty Line ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Severe Mental Disorder ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with those of multiple studies on Syria and refugees. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria in different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included the Kessler 10 (K10) scale which screens for anxiety and depression, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and questionnaires on demographic and war-related factors. Results Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) between the age of 19 and 25. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the war was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most prominent factors for more severe PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in participants living in different governorates or among different types of jobs. A strong significant correlation (r = 0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores. Conclusion The conflict in Syria has left the population at great risk for mental distress which was higher compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to help the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

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Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2021.696 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (S1) ◽

pp. S261-S261

Author(s):

Sami Jomaa ◽

Ameer Kakaje ◽

Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽

Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽

Leen Makki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Mental Distress ◽

Poverty Line ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Severe Mental Disorder ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional

AimsSyria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with those of multiple studies on Syria and refugees.MethodThis is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria in different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included the Kessler 10 (K10) scale which screens for anxiety and depression, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and questionnaires on demographic and war-related factors.ResultOur study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) between the age of 19 and 25. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the war was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most prominent factors for more severe PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in participants living in different governorates or among different types of jobs. A strong significant correlation (r = 0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores.ConclusionThe conflict in Syria has left the population at great risk for mental distress which was higher compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to help the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

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Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-19902/v4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ameer Kakaje ◽

Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽

Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽

Leen Makki ◽

Ayham Alyousbashi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Mental Distress ◽

Poverty Line ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Severe Mental Disorder ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions being displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with multiple studies of Syria and refugees.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria from different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included Kessler 10 (K10) questionnaire, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and demographic and war-related questionnaires.Results: Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) aged (19-25) years. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the crisis was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most important factors for more sever PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in governorates and type of job. A strong correlation (r=0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores. Conclusion: The conflict in Syria has left the population at a great risk for mental distress which was more severe compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to aid the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

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Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-19902/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ameer Kakaje ◽

Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽

Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽

Leen Makki ◽

Ayham Alyousbashi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Mental Distress ◽

Poverty Line ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Severe Mental Disorder ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions being displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compares the findings with multiple studies of Syria and refugees.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria from different governorates. Online surveys were distributed into multiple online groups and included Kessler 10 (K10) questionnaire, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and demographic and war-related questionnaires.Results: Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) aged (19-25) years. Among participants, 44% had likely severe mental disorder, 27% had both likely severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change places of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the crisis was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most important factors for more sever PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence were noted in governorates and type of job. A strong correlation (r=0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores. Conclusion: The conflict in Syria has left the population at a great risk for mental distress which was more severe compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to aid the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

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Mental disorder and PTSD in Syria during wartime: a nationwide crisis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-19902/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ameer Kakaje ◽

Ragheed Al Zohbi ◽

Osama Hosam Aldeen ◽

Leen Makki ◽

Ayham Alyousbashi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Mental Distress ◽

Poverty Line ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Severe Mental Disorder ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Syria has experienced war since 2011, leaving over 80% under the poverty line and millions being displaced. War and its retaliations have significantly impacted the mental health of Syrians. This study evaluates the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of the mental distress caused by war and other factors such as low social support. This study also evaluates other variables and compare the findings with multiple studies of Syria and refugees. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included people who lived in Syria from different provinces. Online surveys on multiple online groups included Kessler 10 (K10) questionnaire, the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) tool, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and demographic and war-related questionnaires. Results: Our study included 1951 participants, of which, 527 (27.0%) were males and 1538 (78.8%) aged (19-25) years. Among participants, 44% had severe mental disorder, 27% had both severe mental disorder and full PTSD symptoms, 36.9% had full PTSD symptoms, and only 10.8% had neither positive PTSD symptoms nor mental disorder on the K10 scale. Around 23% had low overall support. Half of the responders were internally displaced, and 27.6% were forced to change place of living three times or more due to war. Around 86.6% of the responders believed that the crisis was the main reason for their mental distress. Those with high SPTSS and K10 scores were found to take more days off from work or school due to negative feelings and having somatic symptoms. Moreover, the number of times changing places of living due to war, educational level, and being distressed by war noise were the most important factors for more sever PTSD and mental distress. No differences in PTSD and mental disorder prevalence was noted between provinces or type of job. A strong correlation (r=0.623) was found between SPTSS and K10 scores. Conclusion: The conflict in Syria has left the population at a great risk for mental distress which was more severe compared to Syrian refugees elsewhere. Many measures with an emphasis on mental health are needed to aid the people against a long-term avoidable suffering.

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Social-Emotional Profile of Children with and without Learning Disabilities: The Relationships with Perceived Loneliness, Self-Efficacy and Well-Being

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17207358 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (20) ◽

pp. 7358

Author(s):

Tali Heiman ◽

Dorit Olenik-Shemesh

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

High School Students ◽

Indirect Effects ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Social Emotional ◽

School Students

The current study examined whether perceived social support mediated the effects of loneliness and self-efficacy on well-being among students with or without a learning disability (LD). Participants included 834 elementary, middle, and high school students from Israel (29.6% students with LDs) who completed self-report questionnaires. The results of structural equation modeling indicate that social support mediates the indirect effects of age, gender, loneliness and self-efficacy on well-being. In addition, the results show differences between groups, as non-LD girls noted a higher self-efficacy and well-being than boys, and well-being had indirect effects in the non-LD group than in the LD group. These results indicate students with LDs have a unique social-emotional profile that affects their well-being. The study highlights the importance of enhancing self-efficacy and reducing loneliness in order to increase social support, thus predicting positive well-being. Effective and practical educational programs are needed for both groups across age and gender.

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Compassionate Goals Predict Social Support and PTSD Symptoms Following a University Shooting: A Moderated Mediation Analysis

Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology ◽

10.1521/jscp.2019.38.4.277 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 38 (4) ◽

pp. 277-300 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Oxana L. Stebbins ◽

Jamie L. Tingey ◽

Erin K. Verdi ◽

Thane M. Erickson ◽

Adam P. McGuire

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Indirect Effects ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Moderated Mediation ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Stress Buffering ◽

Compassionate Goals ◽

Mass Shooting

Introduction: Social support is known to buffer posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, but the stress-buffering properties of striving to help and support others (compassionate goals) have received less attention. Recent research suggests that compassionate goals shape social support processes and dampen stress responses following social threat, but their relevance to trauma have not been examined. The present study tested whether, in the aftermath of a university mass shooting, compassionate goals concurrently and prospectively predicted lower PTSD symptoms indirectly via higher social support, and whether this mediation would be stronger with higher proximity to the trauma. Method: Participants (N = 369) completed measures four months post-shooting (Time 1), and a subset (n = 85) repeated outcome variables at eight months (Time 2). Results: As hypothesized, there was a significant moderated mediation, with trauma proximity moderating the indirect effect of compassionate goals on PTSD symptoms at Time 1 (B = −0.88, SE = 0.28, 95% CI [−1.47, −0.37]) and prospectively at Time 2 (B = −1.12, SE = 0.77, 95% CI [−3.16, −0.03]), although not when controlling for Time 1 symptoms. The indirect effects were greatest for those with higher trauma proximity, suggesting particular relevance for individuals most at risk for trauma-related difficulties. Discussion: These findings suggest the need for further research into compassionate goals and strategies for fostering them, particularly in the context of social or community traumas.

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Predictors of PTSD symptoms in brazilian police officers: the synergy of negative affect and peritraumatic dissociation

Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1590/s1516-44462011000400009 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 33 (4) ◽

pp. 362-366 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Deborah B Maia ◽

Charles R Marmar ◽

Clare Henn-Haase ◽

Augusta Nóbrega ◽

Adriana Fiszman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Social Support ◽

Negative Affect ◽

Police Officers ◽

Critical Incident ◽

Traumatic Events ◽

Self Report ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Peritraumatic Dissociation ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND: Exposure to traumatic events is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pretrauma, peritrauma and posttrauma factors interact to impact on symptom severity. The aim of the present study is to determine risk factors for PTSD symptoms in Brazilian police officers. METHOD: In a cross-sectional sample of active duty officers (n = 212), participants were asked to complete a socio-demographic questionnaire and self-report scales on affective traits, cumulative critical incident exposure, peritraumatic distress and dissociation, PTSD symptoms, and social support. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was conducted to examine predictors of PTSD symptoms. RESULTS: Variables related to negative affect, job duration, frequency of critical incident exposure, peritraumatic dissociation, and lack of social support remained significant in the final model and explained 55% of the variance in PTSD symptoms. When interaction terms were evaluated, a synergistic effect between negative affect and peritraumatic dissociation was found. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors found in this study provide clues on how to elaborate primary prevention strategies regarding PTSD symptoms in police officers. Such initiatives may lessen the impact of repeated exposure to traumatic events on police officers over the course of their careers.

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Abstract 15148: The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Mental Distress of Health Care Providers Working in the Coronary Care Unit

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.15148 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Sayaka Tamano ◽

Yumi Tashiro ◽

Shiho Moriyama ◽

Megumi Takahashi ◽

Takeshi Yamada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Mental Distress ◽

Coronary Care Unit ◽

Physiological Stress ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Personal Satisfaction ◽

Stress Reactions ◽

Psychological Stressors ◽

The Mean ◽

Coronary Care

Introduction: Medical workers fighting current COVID-19 pandemic are considered facing a mental health crisis. However, there is a paucity of data regarding mental distress in those who caring non-COVIT patients. To assess the mental distress of health care provider working in a coronary care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic, we evaluated the changes in occupational stress before and during the pandemic based on Stress Check Program, which was conducted by Japanese government to screen for workers with high psychosocial stress in the workplace. Methods: Between January 2019 and March 2020, a total of 115 healthcare providers working in our hospital participated in the routine Stress Check Program. Of those, 30 participants working in the coronary care unit underwent a follow-up stress check between May and June 2020. The mean age of the participants was 36.3 ± 9.23 years, and 24 of them (80%) were women. We used the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire, which comprises four components with a total of 57 items: psychological stressors (17 items), psychological and physiological stress reactions (29 items), social support in the workplace (9 items), and personal satisfaction (2 items). Each item was rated on a 4-point scale ranging from 1 to 4. Scores were expressed as mean ± SD for analysis. The changes in scores from before to during the pandemic in terms of the four components and 57 items were analyzed. Results: The mean scores before and during the pandemic for 4 components; psychological stressors, psychological and physiological stress reaction, social support in the workplace, and personal satisfaction were 2.67 ± 0.93 vs. 2.76 ± 0.95 ( p = 0.14); 1.99 ± 0.94 vs. 2.23 ± 1.01 ( p < 0.001); 2.18 ± 0.89 vs. 2.18 ± 0.83 ( p = 0.92); and 2.05 ± 0.65 vs. 2.20 ± 0.78 ( p = 0.09), respectively. Conclusion: Significant worsening during the pandemic was observed for psychological and physiological reactions without no significant change in psychological stressors, social support in the workplace, or personal satisfaction. These results may indicate that the current COVID-19 pandemic was the sole factor contributing to the worsened stress reactions in healthcare providers.

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