While COVID-19 is associated with higher mortality rates and more severe physiological damages for older adults, its psychological effects are not as clear. A study conducted on 126 individuals who had recently been discharged from Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen in China after being treated for COVID-19 assessed short term psychological distress using self-rated PTSD, anxiety, and depression scales. Subjects that were of older age (classified as 60+years) had significantly less severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. Those who were retired (a highly correlated variable with age) also scored lower on the PTSD self assessment. 

Psychological Distress and Its Correlates Among COVID-19 Survivors During Early Convalescence Across Age Groups

Several studies have examined the mental health of older Chinese adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, but little research as been done in for the same topic in Western countries. A cross sectional study compared symptoms of anxiety, depression, and acute stress between those under and over 60 years of age in Spain using an online survey. Similar to findings in China, this study found that older adults exhibited significantly less symptoms of stress and anxiety compared to younger adults, with no differences between gender. Other variables studied, such as living with others and regularly excercising did not have an impact on mental health. However, experiencing economic loss was associated with higher levels of anxiety and acute stress. 

Mental Health in Elderly Spanish People during COVID-19

This survey conducted in China showed 37.1% of seniors studied experienced depression and anxiety during COVID-19. This study (n=1556) based off a self-developed questionnaire called Psychological Status of the Seniors during COVID-19, examined several factors such as gender, age, educational status, marriage status, living conditions, etc. to determine which sub group was most at greater mental health risk. Suggestions to improve mental health outcomes in these populations included concentrating psychological on sub-groups most at risk, improving the mechanism of psychological counselling for seniors, improve psychological health education in the media and encouraging recommendations to consult psychological hotlines, online consultations or professional institutions. 

Analyze the psychological impact of COVID-19 among the elderly population in China and make corresponding suggestions

- Analyze the psychological impact of COVID-19 among the elderly population in China and make corresponding suggestions
- Mental Health in Elderly Spanish People during COVID-19
- Psychological Distress and Its Correlates Among COVID-19 Survivors During Early Convalescence Across Age Groups

Amherst College

Columbia University

- Healthcare workers
- Chinese population 
- Youth (16 to 25 years of age)
- Older Adults (60+ years old)

Mental Health Outcomes by Population Group

Quarantine and social distancing measures have particularly affected young populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they often identify themselves through their social interactions. This cross-sectional study (May 7-May 16, 2020)(n=666) surveyed German individuals, aged between 16 and 25 years of age, online. This study showed that 56% of respondents experienced psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social risk indicators for increased psychological distress include unemployment, inability to work, migrant/ethnic minority group position, and single relationship status. This study also shows that individuals who experienced psychological distress are more likely to report having a positive attitude towards mental health apps, possibly suggesting a further need in developing these.

Mental Health Outcomes in Youth (ages 16 to 25) During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study focuses on the first nation-wide survey in China conducted from January 31st to February 10th, 2020 to collect a total of 52,730 responses across 36 regions as well as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. The survey was online and therefore available to the general public. The questionnaire (the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index, or CPDI)  included questions about the demographic data, diagnostic questions for phobias and stress disorders (from the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision), cognitive change, physical symptoms, and decrease of social functioning to calculate a score from 0 to 100. The study’s findings showed higher psychological distress in females than males and in participants ages 18 to 30 years or over 60. Those below the age of 18 years may have shown the lowest scores due to the fact that there is a lower mortality rate in younger people. Additionally, the accessibility of medical resources and measures taken against the epidemic factored into the CPDI scores. 


The Psychological Stress of Chinese People Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Mental health associated with COVID-19 for older adults

- Psychological status of medical workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

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