*Article* **Increased Psychological Distress during COVID-19 and Quarantine in Ireland: A National Survey**

**Tom Burke 1,\*, Anna Berry 1,2, Laura K. Taylor 1,3, Owen Sta**ff**ord 1, Eddie Murphy 1,2, Mark Shevlin 4, Louise McHugh <sup>1</sup> and Alan Carr <sup>1</sup>**


Received: 31 August 2020; Accepted: 23 October 2020; Published: 28 October 2020

**Abstract:** Background: The emergence of the coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) resulted in a global pandemic. The psychological impact of an epidemic is multifaceted and acute, with long-term consequences. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey-based design was employed, assessing the psychological impact of COVID-19 on members of the Irish public during the quarantine period of COVID-19 in Ireland. Participants were invited to complete the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) retrospectively (prior to quarantine) and during the quarantine period, as well as measures of illness perceptions, well-being, and a bespoke measure (the Effects of COVID Questionnaire, ECQ), which assessed perceptions of COVID-related stresses associated with personal concerns, caring for children, caring for aging parents, as well as gratitude. Results: A total of *n* = 1620 entered the survey platform, with a total of *n* = 847 surveys completed by members of the Irish public. Entry into COVID-19 quarantine was associated with significant increases in clinically significant symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. The ECQ reliably assessed a range of COVID-19-related stresses and had large and significant correlations with the DASS-21. Conclusions: The COVID-19 quarantine was associated with stresses and significant increases in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in a national Irish cohort. The public require increased access to mental health services to meet this increase in COVID-19-related psychological distress.

**Keywords:** psychological distress; public; quarantine; COVID-19; mental health; Ireland
