The COVID-19 pandemic has caused psychological distress among Chinese people. Authors conducted a study (Jan. 31 - Feb. 8) (n=52 730, from 36 provinces) using an online questionnaire openly accessible to the general Chinese population. 34.43% of respondents reported experiencing psychological distress resulting from the pandemic, using the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI). This study presented decreasing anxiety in respondents following implementation of safety measures. Vulnerable groups include the elderly, the young, women and migrant workers, who showed increased psychological distress than their respective counterparts.

Psychological Distress associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic in China

The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing isolation measures has had negative psychological impact on the general population of China, measured by mean levels of stress, depression and anxiety. Authors conducted a cross-sectional study (Jan. 31 - Feb. 2) (n=1210, from 194 cities) using an online questionnaire disseminated to university students who were encouraged to pass it along. Overall, 75.5% of respondents reported psychological impacts resulting from the pandemic. Women, students, presentation of various symptoms (ex: dizziness, coryza), and low reported health-status are high risk-factors for worsened mental health. Identifying populations vulnerable to psychological distress, and factors favouring psychological health, provide insight for the formulation of psychological interventions.

Psychological response to the first wave of COVID-19 in China (stress, depression and anxiety)

COVID-19 has created significant psychological stress and has been associated with a prevalence of several mental illnesses among those who have been affected by it. This cross-sectional study of 675 patients in Wuhan, China that were discharged after COVID-19 treatment examines various risk factors for anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms using demographic data, hospital treatment information, and perceived social stigma collected from a survey 1-month after discharge. Moderate to severe anxiety was reported by 10.4% of patients, and moderate to severe depression was found among 19%. The findings of this study show that perceived discrimination, living with children, and severity of disease were found to be significant factors across all three mental illnesses, and suggest the importance of providing mental health resources after recovery.

Risk Factors for Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD Symptoms after Covid-19 Hospitalization in Wuhan, China

The outbreak of COVID-19 has placed a significant amount of stress on financial situations, physical health, and relationships which in turn aversely affects mental health. Results from a questionnaire given to 7143 students of Changzhi medical college in China show that 24.9% (0.9% severe anxiety, 2.7% moderate anxiety, and 21.3% mild anxiety) of students are experiencing some level of anxiety as a result of the pandemic. Certain factors such as family income, place of residence, and whether relatives and/or acquaintances had been diagnosed with COVID-19 were shown to have significant associations with anxiety. Contrary to previous studies, gender differences were not established as a significant predictor. 

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on College Students in China

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

- China
- Scotland
- England
- The Netherlands

Mental health and psychological distress associated with COVID-19 by country

Mental health associated with COVID-19 pandemic in China

- Anxiety and depression during isolation

Mental Health Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic in England

- depressive symptoms, anxiety, loneliness, and worry before and during the pandemic

Mental Health Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Netherlands

Wen, Y., Chen, H., Li, K., & Gu, X. (2020). The Challenges of Life Design Counseling in the Times of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1235. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01235

Wen et al. (2020) The Challenges of Life Design Counseling in the Times of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19)

The CovidLife survey was designed, delivered, and analyzed by Generation Scotland to study mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown. By May 7, 2020, over 14,500 volunteers in Scotland had completed the survey.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After