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A recent study reported that people with pre-existing health conditions, such as cancer, were more likely to report depressive symptoms during the pandemic.
Data show that during the pandemic, nearly half (42%) of study participants published in the journal Lancet Regional Health-Americas reported at least mild psychological distress and 10% of participants reported psychological distress. moderate to severe.
The article took a unique look at changes in psychological distress. The report, led by Corinne Leach, Senior Principal Scientist, American Cancer Society, used data from the American Cancer Study’s Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) cohort of two waves, 2018 and July-September 2020, to characterize levels of distress among American men and women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study also identified factors associated with increased depression and anxiety during the pandemic, including socio-demographic characteristics, stressors, and co-morbid conditions associated with an increased risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19. A secondary objective examined the association of these factors with the longitudinal change in psychological distress.
Financial stressors, such as job loss and reduced pay, or work-life balance stressors, such as caregiving responsibilities, were also examined. According to the data, people with these types of life stressors were more likely to have escalating psychological distress during the pandemic.
The report suggests that adults continue to experience psychological distress beyond the initial lockdown period. The results of this study and previous studies confirm the importance of regular mental health assessment and subsequent mental health support for people with a history of mental health problems and those who may be isolated to protect against COVID-19 or other infections.
The findings also underscore the importance of investigating the continued and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, as social distancing, a factor previously associated with depression and anxiety, continues. of being promoted during a pandemic year and as the world slowly opens up again, potentially triggering different types of anxiety as people adjust to a new normal.
“Several learning opportunities on how to improve the mental health of the population during and after pandemics, natural disasters or other life-changing events have been created by the COVID-19 pandemic and regular health assessment mental health professionals is needed to better provide support to these people. at risk of developing, or those already suffering, anxiety and depression, ”the authors said.
They further stated: “These data from the American Cancer Study’s Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) cohort, in particular, will help clinicians identify populations vulnerable to persistent mental health and other long-term issues to provide earlier clinical support. ”
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