Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on People with Pre-Existing Chronic Disease

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in anxiety and depression levels across broad populations. While anyone can be infected by the virus, the presence of certain chronic diseases has been shown to exacerbate the severity of the infection. There is a likelihood that knowledge of this information may lead to negative psychological impacts among people with chronic illness. We hypothesized that the pandemic has resulted in increased levels of anxiety and depression symptoms among people with chronic illness. We recruited 540 participants from the ongoing Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study in British Columbia, Canada. Participants were asked to fill out an online survey that included the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) to assess anxiety and depression symptoms. We tested our hypothesis using bivariate and multivariable linear regression models. Out of 540 participants, 15% showed symptoms of anxiety and 17% reported symptoms of depression. We found no significant associations between having a pre-existing chronic illness and reporting higher levels of anxiety or depression symptoms during COVID-19. Our results do not support the hypothesis that having a chronic illness is associated with greater anxiety or depression symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results were similar to one study but in contrast with other studies that found a positive association between the presence of chronic illness and developing anxiety or depression during this pandemic.

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Self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety among informal caregivers of persons with dementia: a cross-sectional comparative study between Sweden and Italy

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/s12913-020-05964-2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Joseba Wulff ◽

Agneta Malmgren Fänge ◽

Connie Lethin ◽

Carlos Chiatti

Keyword(s):

Informal Caregivers ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

People With Dementia

Abstract Background Around 50 million people worldwide are diagnosed with dementia and this number is due to triple by 2050. The majority of persons with dementia receive care and support from their family, friends or neighbours, who are generally known as informal caregivers. These might experience symptoms of depression and anxiety as a consequence of caregiving activities. Due to the different welfare system across European countries, this study aimed to investigate factors associated with self-reported depression and anxiety among informal dementia caregivers both in Sweden and Italy, to ultimately improve their health and well-being. Methods This comparative cross-sectional study used baseline data from the Italian UP-TECH (n = 317) and the Swedish TECH@HOME (n = 89) studies. Main outcome variables were the severity of self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms, as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). HADS scores were investigated using descriptive and bivariate statistics to compare means and standard deviations. Linear regressions were used to test for associations between potential factors and self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results Italian informal caregivers reported more severe symptoms of depression and anxiety than Swedish caregivers. In Italy, a higher number of hours of caregiving was associated with anxiety symptoms (β = − 1.205; p = 0.029), being 40–54 years-old with depression symptoms (β = − 1.739; p = 0.003), and being female with symptoms of both depression (β = − 1.793; p < 0.001) and anxiety (β = 1.474; p = 0.005). In Sweden, a higher number of hours of caregiving and being < 39 years-old were associated with depression symptoms (β = 0.286; p < 0.000; β = 3.945; p = 0.014) and a higher number of hours of caregiving, the lack of additional informal caregivers and dementia severity were associated with anxiety symptoms (β = 0.164; p = 0.010; β = − 1.133; p = 0.033; β = − 1.181; p = 0.031). Conclusion Multiple factors are associated with self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety among informal caregivers in Sweden and Italy. Factors found in this study partly differ between the two countries, suggesting the important role of cultural and social factors affecting the experience of caregiving. A deeper knowledge of these factors may increase the knowledge on potential protective and risk factors, provide information to policymakers and ultimately improve the psychological well-being of informal caregivers to people with dementia across Europe.

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The Dark Triad of Personality’s Relationship with Compliance towards COVID-19 Pandemic Recommendations along with Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Polish Citizens

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105478 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5478

Author(s):

Anna M. Gogola ◽

Paweł Dębski ◽

Agnieszka Goryczka ◽

Piotr Gorczyca ◽

Magdalena Piegza

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Daily Basis ◽

Dark Triad ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Dirty Dozen ◽

Polish Version

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone to comply with rules of a sanitary regime and social distancing on a daily basis. The aim of our research was to assess the differences in the levels of Dark Triad traits between people who obeyed and disobeyed the pandemic restrictions. Additionally, we considered the possible correlation between the Dark Triad and the intensity of symptoms of depression and anxiety. A total of 604 Polish participants, whose average age was 28.95 ± 11.27 years, completed an online survey which measured Dark Triad traits using the Polish version of the Dirty Dozen test. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The results revealed a possible relationship between personality traits and compliance with pandemic restrictions. Individuals with higher levels of psychopathy tended to disobey newly introduced rules. On the other hand, a higher level of subclinical narcissism might have contributed to a better civil compliance. The results showed a significant positive correlation between the intensity of the Dark Triad and the occurrence of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, narcissism was linked to anxiety symptoms. These results can contribute to a better understanding of behavioural patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic within the group of individuals who exhibit the Dark Triad traits. Our conclusions might help to identify individuals who are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems.

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Association Between Levels of Depression Symptoms and Moderately Increased Levels of the Inflammation Marker Albuminuria Is Explained by Age and Comorbidity.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1054344/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Solfrid Romundstad ◽

Torfinn Hynnekleiv

Keyword(s):

Depression Scale ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Study ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Inflammation Marker ◽

Hospital Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Symptoms Of Depression

Abstract Background: The study aimed to examine whether there are associations between levels of depression symptoms and levels of the inflammation marker albuminuria. Materials and methods: The 8303 participants in this cross-sectional study were subjects from the second survey of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT, Norway). Depression symptoms were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for moderately increased albuminuria (ACR > 3.0 mg/mmol) according to different HADS subgroups and -scores.Results: Unadjusted ORs for moderately increased albuminuria were significantly increased in those with HADS > 8 (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.05-1.54, p=0.013) and HADS > 11 (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.19-2.14, p=0.002). However, after adjusting for age and sex, only HADS > 11 was significantly associated with ACR > 3.0 mg/mmol (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.08-1.98, p=0.014), and after multivariable adjustments for cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidity, there were no significant associations. Conclusion: The positive and significant association between moderately increased albuminuria and symptoms of depression found in unadjusted analyses weakened and disappeared after adjustments. Although individuals with depressive symptoms had albuminuria more often than individuals without such symptoms, albuminuria may reflect other comorbidity and inflammation conditions than depression.

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P143 Depression and anxiety symptoms among patients with early inflammatory bowel disease during and after COVID-19 lockdown

Journal of Crohn s and Colitis ◽

10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjab076.270 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S228-S228

Author(s):

L Sempere Robles ◽

P Bernabeu ◽

J Cameo ◽

A Gutiérrez ◽

G García ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽

Bowel Disease ◽

Activity Index ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Previous History ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Female Sex ◽

Inflammatory Bowel

Abstract Background Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are vulnerable to some psychological disorders. Here we describe the psychological impact of a COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in patients with IBD. Methods This multicenter prospective cohort study included 145 patients recently diagnosed with IBD. Data on clinical and demographic characteristics, anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and IBD activity (the Modified Harvey Bradshaw Index for CD and Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index for CU) were collected in two telephone surveys, during and after the first COVID-19 lockdown in Spain. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results During lockdown, 33.1% and 24.1% scored high on the anxiety and depression scales, respectively. Independent factors related to anxiety (all values ORs; 95% CIs) during lockdown were female sex (2; 1.2–5.4) and IBD activity (4.3; 1.8–10.4). Factors related to depression were comorbidity (3.3; 1.1–9.8), IBD activity (6; 1.9–18.1), use of biologics (2.9; 1.1–7.6), and living alone or with one person (3.1; 1.2–8.2). After lockdown, anxiety and depression symptoms showed significant improvement, with 24.8% and 15.2% having high scores for anxiety and depression, respectively. Factors related to post-lockdown anxiety were female sex (2.5; 1.01–6.3), Crohn’s disease (3.3; 1.3–8.5), and active IBD (4.1; 1.2–13.7). Factors associated with depression were previous history of mood and/or anxiety disorders (6.3; 1.6–24.9), active IBD (7.5; 2.1–26.8), and steroid use (6.4; 1.4–29). Conclusion Lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant psychological impact in patients with IBD. Disease activity was related to the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms during and after lockdown.

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The Influence of the Social Support on Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression among Patients with Silicosis

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1155/2014/724804 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Bing Han ◽

Bo Yan ◽

Jian Zhang ◽

Na Zhao ◽

Jinkai Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Symptomatic Treatment ◽

Scientific Basis ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale ◽

The Social ◽

Anxiety Depression

The improvement of social support promotes the mental health and improves the health status. The study aimed to examine the influence of the social support on symptoms of anxiety and depression among patients with silicosis and provide the scientific basis to further alleviate anxiety and depression and to monitor their whole quality of life. We investigated 324 inpatients with silicosis between April 2011 and September 2011. The HADS (the Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale) was the major methodology used to evaluate anxiety and depression, and the MSPSS (the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support) to evaluate the social support level. Among patients with silicosis, 99.1% had anxiety symptoms, and 86.1% had depression symptoms. Meanwhile, the social support significantly influenced symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study suggested that patients with silicosis presented more anxiety and depression symptoms, while the social support levels of the patients were relatively low. The influence of social support on symptoms of anxiety and depression among patients with silicosis implied that improving the level of social support and the effective symptomatic treatment might alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms and improve physical and mental status.

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Symptoms of depression at discharge after PCI are associated with an increased risk of 1-year mortality: findings from the national DenHeart study

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.3417 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

B Borregaard ◽

S.N Nielsen ◽

J.F Lassen ◽

L.O Jensen ◽

L Thrysoe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Increased Risk ◽

All Cause Mortality

Abstract Background Although survival rates among patients with coronary artery disease have increased since the introduction of treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention, PCI, the effect of psychological factors such as symptoms of anxiety and depression on adverse outcomes are sparsely described. Purpose The objective of the current study was to investigate the association between symptoms of anxiety and depression and 1-year mortality after PCI. Methods A national cross-sectional survey at hospital discharge (responders, n=3,366) with register-based follow-up among patients having undergone elective or emergency PCI. Mental health was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS, and divided into symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A) and symptoms of depression (HADS-D). The association between mental health (HADS-A and HADS-D) and 1-year all-cause mortality were investigated with Cox Proportional Hazard models with time to death as the underlying time scale. The results are presented as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and adjusted for sex, age and Tu-comorbidity score. Results At discharge, 32% of the population reported symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A ≥8) and 19% reported symptoms of depression (HADS-D ≥8). After one year, the mortality rate among patients being alive at discharge was 2.1%. All-cause mortality did not differ among patients reporting symptoms of anxiety compared to patients without symptoms of anxiety (2.3% vs 1.9%, p=0.454), whereas all-cause mortality was higher among patients reporting symptoms of depression compared to those, who did not (4.3% vs 1.6%, p≤0.001). In the regression analyses, symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A ≥8) was not associated with 1-year mortality (HR 1.16 95% CI 0.70–1.92); however, symptoms of depression was (HADS-D ≥8, HR 2.27 95% CI 1.38–3.73, adjusted analyses). Based on the continuous scores of HADS-D, a one-point increase in scores was associated with a 12% higher risk of 1-year mortality (HR 1.12 95% CI 1.05–1.18) (Figure 1). Conclusion After PCI, nearly one-third of patient report symptoms of anxiety and one-fifth symptoms of depression. Symptoms of anxiety was not associated with 1-year mortality, whereas symptoms of depression increased the risk of 1-year mortality. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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Physical activity in periods of social distancing due to COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey

Ciência & Saúde Coletiva ◽

10.1590/1413-812320202510.2.27242020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (suppl 2) ◽

pp. 4157-4168

Author(s):

Edson Zangiacomi Martinez ◽

Fabrícia Mabelle Silva ◽

Thais Zanin Morigi ◽

Miriane Lucindo Zucoloto ◽

Thaise Lucena Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Physical Activities ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Social Distancing ◽

The Impact

Abstract Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are associated with poor physical and mental health. The article aims to assess the changes in the habits of the Brazilian participants engaged in physical activities in relation to their practices, due the measures of social distancing during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020. The secondary objective was to describe their levels of anxiety and depression. The questionnaire used in this online survey included demographic information, questions about self-perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 in the life routines and the 14-item Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. A total of 1,613 adults completed the questionnaire between May 11 and 15, 2020. Of those, 79.4% reported that the measures to contain the epidemic had any impact on their physical activities, and many had to interrupt or decrease the frequency of their practices. Participants who felt a higher impact of quarantine on their physical activities tend to have higher prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms. Individuals who practiced physical activities reported that social distance had a high influence on their practices. Furthermore, changes in these habits are associated with high levels of poor mental health.

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Changes in anxiety and depression symptoms associated to the outcome of MOH: A post-hoc analysis of the Comoestas Project

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1177/0333102417704415 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (4) ◽

pp. 646-654 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Sara Bottiroli ◽

Marta Allena ◽

Grazia Sances ◽

Roberto De Icco ◽

Micol Avenali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prognostic Factors ◽

Affective State ◽

Antidepressant Drugs ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

The Impact

Aims To evaluate the impact of treatment success on depression and anxiety symptoms in medication-overuse headache (MOH) and whether depression and anxiety can be predictors of treatment outcome. Methods All consecutive patients entering the detoxification program were analysed in a prospective, non-randomised fashion over a six-month period. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results A total of 663 MOH patients were evaluated, and 492 completed the entire protocol. Of these, 287 ceased overuse and reverted to an episodic pattern (responders) and 23 relapsed into overuse. At the final evaluation, the number of patients with depressive symptoms was reduced by 63.2% among responders ( p < 0.001) and did not change in relapsers ( p = 0.13). Anxious symptomatology was reduced by 43.1% in responders ( ps < 0.001) and did not change in relapsers ( p = 0.69). At the multivariate analysis, intake of a prophylactic drug and absence of symptoms of depression at six months emerged as prognostic factors for being a responder (OR 2.406; p = 0.002 and OR 1.989; p = 0.019 respectively), while lack of antidepressant drugs and presence of symptoms of depression at six months were prognostic factors for relapse into overuse (OR 3.745; p = 0.004 and OR 3.439; p = 0.031 respectively). Conclusions Symptomatology referred to affective state and anxiety can be significantly reduced by the treatment of MOH. Baseline levels of depression and anxiety do not generally predict the outcome at six months. Their persistence may represent a trait of patients with a negative outcome, rather than the consequence of a treatment failure.

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Exploring the Frequency of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in a Brazilian Sample during the COVID-19 Outbreak

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094847 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4847

Author(s):

Fabiana Silva Ribeiro ◽

Flávia H. Santos ◽

Luis Anunciação ◽

Lucas Barrozo ◽

Jesus Landeira-Fernandez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Online Survey ◽

Age Groups ◽

Health Sector ◽

Severe Depression ◽

Well Being ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Brazilian Sample

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency of international concern, and the main measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus causing COVID-19 were social distancing, quarantine, and self-isolation. Although these policies are effective in containing the spread of the virus, they might represent a challenge to psychological well-being, increasing levels of depressive and anxiety-related symptoms. Aims: We explored the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms during COVID-19 restrictions and associations with sociodemographic factors in a Brazilian sample. Method: Data of a total of 936 Brazilian adults (68.2% women) aged 18 to 77 years old (M = 38.95, SD = 13.91) were collected through an online survey. Results: In general, we observed a frequency of 17.36% for severe anxiety and 66.13% for severe depression symptoms, in which younger participants (18–39 years old) and women showed higher scores in anxiety and depression scales compared to older age groups. Logistic regressions showed that women were more likely to present severe symptoms of anxiety (20.4%) compared to men (10.9%), as well as respondents in the educational sector (24.3%) compared to those in the health sector (10%). Conclusions: We highlight the importance of mental health professionals in developing strategies to help younger adults to mitigate the effects of social restriction.

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Caregiver burden versus intensity of anxiety and depression symptoms in parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as factors potentially differentiating the level of burden: a cross-sectional study (Poland)

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036494 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. e036494

Author(s):

Barbara Gugała

Keyword(s):

Cerebral Palsy ◽

Health Status ◽

Caregiver Burden ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Emotional Involvement ◽

Children With Cerebral Palsy ◽

General Strain

ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between caregiver burden and severity of symptoms of anxiety/depression in parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to identify factors differentiating the level of caregiver burden.SettingRegional rehabilitation centres in South-Eastern Poland.ParticipantsThe study involved 190 parents of children with CP, that is, 138 women and 52 men.Primary and secondary outcome measuresCaregiver burden was assessed using Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS), while the intensity of anxiety and depression symptoms was measured using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Potential predictors were examined using Gross Motor Function Classification System for Cerebral Palsy (GMFCS), Barthel Index (BI) as well as a questionnaire focusing on the characteristics of the child, the parent and the family. The analyses applied Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient as well as multiple regression analysis.ResultsAll the CBS measures are significantly correlated to HADS-A (anxiety) and HADS-D (depression). Intensity of anxiety is most visibly linked to CBS measures of disappointment and environment (p<0.0001), while severity of depression is related to emotional involvement and general strain (p<0.0001). The factors differentiating caregiver burden measure in the subscales of general strain (p<0.0001) and social isolation (p<0.0001) include the child’s age and BI, and the parent’s health status; in the subscale of disappointment (p<0.0001)—the child’s age, BI, GMFCS, as well as the parent’s age and health status; in the subscale of emotional involvement (p=0.0007)—BI, and the parent’s health status; in the subscale of environment (p=0.0002)—the child’s age and BI.ConclusionsThere is a positive linear relationship between the caregiver burden measures and severity of anxiety and depression. Effort should be made to relieve caregiver burden in parents of children with CP.

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