People across the world have experienced elevated mentalhealth concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, with major differences seen across several countries and continents, according to a new report. PsychTwitter MedTwitter
Previous studies have noted the significant increase in mental health concerns during the pandemic due to business and school closures, quarantines, physical distancing, financial insecurity, and concerns about becoming infected or infecting relatives. Among different populations, studies have also found specific increases in anxiety, depression, psychological distress, sleep issues, and substance use disorders.
For depression, the pooled prevalence was 26.8%. North America had a higher prevalence rate, at 38.3%, compared with 24.6% in Europe, 20.9% in Latin America, and 20.6% in the Asia-Pacific region. As with anxiety, women had a higher prevalence of depression symptoms. For substance abuse, the pooled prevalence was 24%, with major differences seen among the studies, particularly because some studies focused on psychotropic drug consumption. Generally, a higher prevalence was reported in studies that focused on alcohol use rather than psychotropic drugs.
Despite the overall decrease since May 2020, the prevalence of mental health problems remained higher during the pandemic compared with pre-pandemic times, the study authors wrote.
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