Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden.

Rondung E, Leiler A, Meurling J, Bjärtå A

Front Public Health 9 (-) 562437 [2021-06-02; online 2021-06-02]

In this cross-sectional study we aimed to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety at an early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore factors predictive of these mental health outcomes. A sample of 1,503 participants, recruited from the general Swedish population, completed an online survey distributed through social media. In this sample, 22.2% reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and 10.9% indicated possible major depression using the PHQ-9 algorithm. Moreover, 28.3% reported clinically significant levels of anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 8) and 9.7% severe anxiety and possible GAD (GAD-7 ≥ 15). Multiple linear regression analyses identified some common predictors for both outcomes. Age, having a stable income, and sufficient social stimulation, sleep, and recovery showed negative associations, whereas worry about the economy and overall burden showed positive associations. These results suggest an impact on mental health already at an early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Category: Health

Type: Journal article

PubMed 34150691

DOI 10.3389/fpubh.2021.562437

Crossref 10.3389/fpubh.2021.562437

pmc: PMC8206505


Publications 9.5.1