Journal of Clinical Medicine

Editorial

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5 pages, 205 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Alfonso Troisi

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(3), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12031213 - 3 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1670

Abstract

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health has unveiled the complexity of the relationship between psychiatry and the rest of medicine, as clearly shown by the collection of studies published in this Special Issue entitled “Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 [...] Read more.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health has unveiled the complexity of the relationship between psychiatry and the rest of medicine, as clearly shown by the collection of studies published in this Special Issue entitled “Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic” [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

Research

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13 pages, 1988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 Related Maternal Stress on Fetal Brain Development: A Multimodal MRI Study

by Vidya Rajagopalan, William T. Reynolds, Jeremy Zepeda, Jeraldine Lopez, Skorn Ponrartana, John Wood, Rafael Ceschin and Ashok Panigrahy

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(22), 6635; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11226635 - 9 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2540

Abstract

Background: Disruptions in perinatal care and support due to the COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented but significant stressor among pregnant women. Various neurostructural differences have been re-ported among fetuses and infants born during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic counterparts. The relationship between maternal [...] Read more.

Background: Disruptions in perinatal care and support due to the COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented but significant stressor among pregnant women. Various neurostructural differences have been re-ported among fetuses and infants born during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic counterparts. The relationship between maternal stress due to pandemic related disruptions and fetal brain is yet unexamined. Methods: Pregnant participants with healthy pregnancies were prospectively recruited in 2020–2022 in the greater Los Angeles Area. Participants completed multiple self-report assessments for experiences of pandemic related disruptions, perceived stress, and coping behaviors and underwent fetal MRI. Maternal perceived stress exposures were correlated with quantitative multimodal MRI measures of fetal brain development using multivariate models. Results: Increased maternal perception of pandemic related stress positively correlated with normalized fetal brainstem volume (suggesting accelerated brainstem maturation). In contrast, increased maternal perception of pandemic related stress correlated with reduced global fetal brain temporal functional variance (suggesting reduced functional connectivity). Conclusions: We report alterations in fetal brainstem structure and global functional fetal brain activity associated with increased maternal stress due to pandemic related disruptions, suggesting altered fetal programming. Long term follow-up studies are required to better understand the sequalae of these early multi-modal brain disruptions among infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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13 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychosocial Distress among Family Members of COVID-19 Patients Admitted to Hospital and Isolation Facilities in the Philippines: A Prospective Cohort Study

by Leilanie Apostol-Nicodemus, Ian Kim B. Tabios, Anna Guia O. Limpoco, Gabriele Dominique P. Domingo and Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(17), 5236; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11175236 - 5 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5072

Abstract

This study determined the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on families of adult COVID-19 patients in isolation facilities in Metro Manila, Philippines. This prospective cohort study was conducted in COVID-19 healthcare facilities. Data collection was undertaken 2 weeks and 8 weeks after discharge. Logistic [...] Read more.

This study determined the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on families of adult COVID-19 patients in isolation facilities in Metro Manila, Philippines. This prospective cohort study was conducted in COVID-19 healthcare facilities. Data collection was undertaken 2 weeks and 8 weeks after discharge. Logistic regression was performed to determine the socioeconomic and clinical factors influencing anxiety, depression, and family function. Based on HADS-P, 43.2% of the participants had anxiety symptoms, and 16.2% had depression symptoms 2 weeks after the discharge of their relative with COVID-19 infection. The prevalence of anxiety and depression significantly decreased to 24.3% and 5.4%, respectively, 8 weeks after discharge. The percentage of participants with a perceived moderate family dysfunction was 9.5% in the 2nd week and 6.8% in the 8th week post discharge. Participants with perceived severe family dysfunction increased from none to 4.1%. The most inadequate family resources for the participants were economic, medical, and educational resources. Patient anxiety (p = 0.010) and perceived inadequate family resources (p = 0.032) were associated with anxiety symptoms among family members. Patient anxiety (p = 0.013) and low educational attainment (p = 0.002) were associated with anxiety symptoms among family members 8 weeks after discharge. On the other hand, patient depression (p = 0.013) was a factor related to depressive symptoms among family members 2 weeks after discharge. This study provided an in-depth understanding of the mental health status of family members caring for relatives with COVID-19 infection. This can be used to guide healthcare professionals caring for COVID-19 patients and their family members. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

16 pages, 423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stress, Anxiety and Depression Prevalence among Greek University Students during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Two-Year Survey

by Dimitrios Kavvadas, Asimoula Kavvada, Sofia Karachrysafi, Vasileios Papaliagkas, Stavros Cheristanidis, Maria Chatzidimitriou and Theodora Papamitsou

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(15), 4263; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11154263 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3193

Abstract

Background: The negative effect of COVID-19 pandemic on college students’ mental health is well-demonstrated. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the pandemic on the students of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Northern Greece), in terms of stress, anxiety, and [...] Read more.

Background: The negative effect of COVID-19 pandemic on college students’ mental health is well-demonstrated. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the pandemic on the students of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Northern Greece), in terms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and to analyze the probable correlation of various social and phycological factors. Methods: The survey was conducted in the form of a questionnaire, which was first distributed in November 2020 and then re-launched in November 2021. The evaluation was carried out through the DASS21 screening tool. Associations regarding participants’ characteristics and the three variables (stress, anxiety, and depression) were investigated with Pearson’s chi-squared (Χ²) test. Results: The first-year results (November 2020) revealed severe prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression (37.4%, 27.2% and 47% respectively). The second-year results (November 2021) revealed a significant augmentation in all three variables, mainly for the extreme severe scales (47.3%, 41.1% and 55% respectively). Participants who were receiving psychiatric treatment exhibited higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, especially during the second year of the pandemic (p-Value < 0.00001). Female students’ mental health was at higher risk, as elevated prevalence of negative symptoms was observed (p-Value < 0.00001). Conclusions: The community of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has been greatly affected during the last 2 years. The inherent risks of the confinement measures on students’ well-being and mental health are undeniable. Recurrent annual psychological evaluation in universities and colleges is strongly advised. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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11 pages, 860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PTSD Symptoms and Coping with COVID-19 Pandemic among Treatment-Seeking Veterans: Prospective Cohort Study

by Marina Letica-Crepulja, Aleksandra Stevanović, Diana Palaić, Iva Vidović and Tanja Frančišković

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(10), 2715; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11102715 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1982

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to examine post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom levels and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic among treatment-seeking veterans with pre-existing PTSD. Method: A cohort of 176 male treatment-seeking veterans with pre-existing PTSD during the first COVID-19 [...] Read more.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom levels and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic among treatment-seeking veterans with pre-existing PTSD. Method: A cohort of 176 male treatment-seeking veterans with pre-existing PTSD during the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (T1) and 132 participants from the same cohort one year after the onset of the pandemic (T2) participated in a longitudinal study. All participants responded to a COVID-19-related questionnaire and the following measures: the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Brief COPE. Results: The intensity of overall PTSD symptoms, avoidance symptoms and negative alterations in cognitions and mood was lower at T2. PTSD symptoms were not significantly correlated with SARS-CoV-2 potentially traumatic events (PTE) at T2. Veterans scored higher on emotion-focused and problem-focused coping than on dysfunctional coping. Conclusions: Veterans with pre-existing PTSD who were receiving long-term treatment coped with COVID-19 stressors without the effects of retraumatization and a consequent worsening of PTSD symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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17 pages, 1068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The “Healthcare Workers’ Wellbeing [Benessere Operatori]” Project: A Longitudinal Evaluation of Psychological Responses of Italian Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Gaia Perego, Federica Cugnata, Chiara Brombin, Francesca Milano, Emanuele Preti, Rossella Di Pierro, Chiara De Panfilis, Fabio Madeddu and Valentina Elisabetta Di Mattei

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(9), 2317; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11092317 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2786

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 forced healthcare workers to work in unprecedented and critical circumstances, exacerbating already-problematic and stressful working conditions. The “Healthcare workers’ wellbeing (Benessere Operatori)” project aimed at identifying psychological and personal factors, influencing individuals’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 291 healthcare workers [...] Read more.

Background: COVID-19 forced healthcare workers to work in unprecedented and critical circumstances, exacerbating already-problematic and stressful working conditions. The “Healthcare workers’ wellbeing (Benessere Operatori)” project aimed at identifying psychological and personal factors, influencing individuals’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 291 healthcare workers took part in the project by answering an online questionnaire twice (after the first wave of COVID-19 and during the second wave) and completing questions on socio-demographic and work-related information, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Brief Cope. Results: Higher levels of worry, worse working conditions, a previous history of psychiatric illness, being a nurse, older age, and avoidant and emotion-focused coping strategies seem to be risk factors for healthcare workers’ mental health. High levels of perceived social support, the attendance of emergency training, and problem-focused coping strategies play a protective role. Conclusions: An innovative, and more flexible, data mining statistical approach (i.e., a regression trees approach for repeated measures data) allowed us to identify risk factors and derive classification rules that could be helpful to implement targeted interventions for healthcare workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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13 pages, 1012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Cumulative Incidence of COVID-19 Cases on the Mental Health of the Spanish Out-of-Hospital Professionals

by Raúl Soto-Cámara, Susana Navalpotro-Pascual, José Julio Jiménez-Alegre, Noemí García-Santa-Basilia, Henar Onrubia-Baticón, José M. Navalpotro-Pascual, Israel John Thuissard, Juan José Fernández-Domínguez, María Paz Matellán-Hernández, Elena Pastor-Benito, Carlos Eduardo Polo-Portes, Rosa M. Cárdaba-García and on behalf of the IMPSYCOVID-19 Study Group

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(8), 2227; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11082227 - 15 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3083

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the psychological affectation of health professionals (HPs) of Spanish Emergency Medical Services (EMSs) according to the cumulative incidence (CI) of COVID-19 cases in the regions in which they worked. A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed, including all HPs [...] Read more.

This study aimed to analyze the psychological affectation of health professionals (HPs) of Spanish Emergency Medical Services (EMSs) according to the cumulative incidence (CI) of COVID-19 cases in the regions in which they worked. A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed, including all HPs working in any EMS of the Spanish geography between 1 February 2021 and 30 April 2021. Their level of stress, anxiety and depression (DASS-21) and the perception of self-efficacy (G-SES) were the study’s main results. A 2-factor analysis of covariance was used to determine if the CI regions of COVID-19 cases determined the psychological impact on each of the studied variables. A total of 1710 HPs were included. A third presented psychological impairment classified as severe. The interaction of CI regions with the studied variables did not influence their levels of stress, anxiety, depression or self-efficacy. Women, younger HPs or those with less EMS work experience, emergency medical technicians (EMT), workers who had to modify their working conditions or those who lived with minors or dependents suffered a greater impact from the COVID-19 pandemic in certain regions. These HPs have shown high levels of stress, anxiety, depression and medium levels of self-efficacy, with similar data in the different geographical areas. Psychological support is essential to mitigate their suffering and teach them to react to adverse events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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18 pages, 943 KiB

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Adverse Mental Health Sequelae of COVID-19 Pandemic in the Pregnant Population and Useful Implications for Clinical Practice

by Dariusz Wojciech Mazurkiewicz, Jolanta Strzelecka and Dorota Izabela Piechocka

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(8), 2072; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11082072 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3278

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased risk of disturbances in the functioning of everyday life, directly or indirectly has influenced the risk of mental disorders in the most vulnerable populations, including pregnant women. The aim of this study was to analyze adverse mental health [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased risk of disturbances in the functioning of everyday life, directly or indirectly has influenced the risk of mental disorders in the most vulnerable populations, including pregnant women. The aim of this study was to analyze adverse mental health effects in the pregnant population during the COVID-19 pandemic, investigate risk factors for adverse mental health outcomes, identify protective factors, and create practical implications for clinical practice, bearing in mind the need to improve perinatal mental healthcare during such pandemics. Qualitative research was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed and Web of Sciences for the keywords COVID-19, pregnancy, depression, anxiety, and telemedicine for relevant critical articles (n = 3280) published from 2020 until October 2021, outlining the outcomes of control studies, meta-analysis, cross-sectional studies, face-to-face evaluation survey studies, remotely administered survey studies, and observational studies regarding the main topic; all were evaluated. Mental health problems among pregnant women linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, in most cases, show symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD and may cause adverse outcomes in pregnancy and fetus and newborn development, even at later stages of life. Therefore, useful implications for clinical practice for improving the adverse mental health outcomes of pregnant women associated with the COVID-19 pandemic are highly desirable. Our research findings support and advocate the need to modify the scope of healthcare provider practice in the event of a disaster, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and may be implemented and adopted by healthcare providers as useful implications for clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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15 pages, 451 KiB

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Psychological Interventions for Children with Autism during the COVID-19 Pandemic through a Remote Behavioral Skills Training Program

by Flavia Marino, Paola Chilà, Chiara Failla, Roberta Minutoli, Noemi Vetrano, Claudia Luraschi, Cristina Carrozza, Elisa Leonardi, Mario Busà, Sara Genovese, Rosa Musotto, Alfio Puglisi, Antonino Andrea Arnao, Giuliana Cardella, Francesca Isabella Famà, Gaspare Cusimano, David Vagni, Pio Martines, Giovanna Mendolia, Gennaro Tartarisco, Antonio Cerasa, Liliana Ruta and Giovanni Pioggia Show full author list Hide full author list

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1194; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051194 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3431

Abstract

COVID-19 has impacted negatively on the mental health of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as on their parents. Remote health services are a sustainable approach to behavior management interventions and to giving caregivers emotional support in several clinical domains. During [...] Read more.

COVID-19 has impacted negatively on the mental health of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as on their parents. Remote health services are a sustainable approach to behavior management interventions and to giving caregivers emotional support in several clinical domains. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we investigated the feasibility of a web-based behavioral skills training (BST) program for 16 parents and their children with ASD at home. The BST parent training package was tailored to each different specific behavioral disorder that characterizes children with ASD. After training, we found a significant reduction in the frequency of all the targeted behavioral disorders, as well as an improvement in psychological distress and the perception of the severity of ASD-related symptoms in parents. Our data confirm the efficacy of remote health care systems in the management of behavioral disorders of children with ASD, as well as of their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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8 pages, 240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fear of COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers: The Role of Neuroticism and Fearful Attachment

by Alfonso Troisi, Roberta Croce Nanni, Alessandra Riconi, Valeria Carola and David Di Cave

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(19), 4358; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10194358 - 24 Sep 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2992

Abstract

Fear of becoming infected is an important factor of the complex suite of emotional reactions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among healthcare workers (HWs), fear of infection can put at risk their psychological well-being and occupational efficiency. The aim of this study was [...] Read more.

Fear of becoming infected is an important factor of the complex suite of emotional reactions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among healthcare workers (HWs), fear of infection can put at risk their psychological well-being and occupational efficiency. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of personality (i.e., the big five traits) and adult attachment in predicting levels of fear (as measured by the FCV-19S) in 101 HWs employed in a COVID-19 university hospital. The three significant predictors retained by the stepwise regression model were age (beta = 0.26, t = 2.89, p < 0.01), emotional stability (i.e., the inverse of neuroticism) (beta = −0.26, t = −2.89, p < 0.01), and fearful attachment (beta = 0.25, t = 2.75, p < 0.01). Older HWs with higher levels of neuroticism and fearful attachment reported more intense fear of COVID-19. Our results can be useful to identify vulnerable subgroups of HWs and to implement selective programs of prevention based on counseling and psychological support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

11 pages, 599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Did COVID-19 Affect Suicidality? Data from a Multicentric Study in Lombardy

by Camilla Gesi, Federico Grasso, Filippo Dragogna, Marco Vercesi, Silvia Paletta, Pierluigi Politi, Claudio Mencacci and Giancarlo Cerveri

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(11), 2410; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10112410 - 29 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2698

Abstract

The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of subjects accessing the emergency rooms for suicidal behavior during the first epidemic wave of COVID-19 in three Emergency Departments (EDs) in Lombardy (Italy). A retrospective chart review was conducted for the period [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of subjects accessing the emergency rooms for suicidal behavior during the first epidemic wave of COVID-19 in three Emergency Departments (EDs) in Lombardy (Italy). A retrospective chart review was conducted for the period 8 March–3 June 2020, and during the same time frame in 2019. For all subjects accessing for suicidality, socio-demographic and clinical data were collected and compared between the two years. The proportion of subjects accessing for suicidality was significantly higher in 2020 than in 2019 (13.0 vs. 17.2%, p = 0.03). No differences between the two years were found for sex, triage priority level, history of substance abuse, factor triggering suicidality and discharge diagnosis. During 2020 a greater proportion of subjects did not show any mental disorders and were psychotropic drug-free. Women were more likely than men to receive inpatient psychiatric treatment, while men were more likely to be discharged with a diagnosis of acute alcohol/drug intoxication. Our study provides hints for managing suicidal behaviors during the still ongoing emergency and may be primary ground for further studies on suicidality in the course of or after massive infectious outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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15 pages, 467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Psychological Empowerment Prevent Emotional Disorders in Presence of Fear of COVID-19 in Health Workers? A Cross-Sectional Validation Study

by Marta Llorente-Alonso, Cristina García-Ael, Gabriela Topa, María Luisa Sanz-Muñoz, Irene Muñoz-Alcalde and Beatriz Cortés-Abejer

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(8), 1614; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10081614 - 10 Apr 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3795

Abstract

The global emergency produced by COVID-19 has been a turning point for health organizations. Healthcare professionals have been exposed to high levels of stress and workload. Close contact with infected patients and the infectious capacity of COVID-19 mean that this group is especially [...] Read more.

The global emergency produced by COVID-19 has been a turning point for health organizations. Healthcare professionals have been exposed to high levels of stress and workload. Close contact with infected patients and the infectious capacity of COVID-19 mean that this group is especially vulnerable to contagion. In various countries, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale has been shown to be a fast and reliable tool. Early detection of fear complements clinical efforts to prevent emotional disorders. Thus, concepts focused on positive occupational health, such as Job Crafting or psychological empowerment (PE), have been examined as a tool to prevent mental health problems at work. In this work, we intended to adapt and validate the 7-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale in health workers (N = 194). The interpretation of the measurement model indicates adequate values of internal consistency reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity. The overall goodness of fit of the model was also adequate. The structural model indicates that the implementation of job crafting measures in health services leads to workers’ greater PE. High levels of anxiety and depression prevent health professionals from psychologically detaching from work. In turn, PE can reduce the emotional disorders caused by the fear of COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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11 pages, 239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Concerns during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multicultural Cross-Sectional Study among Internet Survey Respondents in Three Countries

by Alona Emodi-Perlman, Ilana Eli, Nir Uziel, Joanna Smardz, Anahat Khehra, Efrat Gilon, Gniewko Wieckiewicz, Liran Levin and Mieszko Wieckiewicz

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(8), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10081577 - 8 Apr 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2363

Abstract

(1) Background: this study aimed to evaluate the worries, anxiety, and depression in the public during the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different groups of internet survey respondents: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland), and North American (Canada). (2) [...] Read more.

(1) Background: this study aimed to evaluate the worries, anxiety, and depression in the public during the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different groups of internet survey respondents: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland), and North American (Canada). (2) Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the mentioned countries during the lockdown periods. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on personal concerns, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. (3) Results: Polish respondents were the most concerned about being infected. Canadian respondents worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends, and both physical and mental health. Polish respondents worried the least about their physical health, and Israeli respondents worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadian respondents obtained the highest score in the PHQ-4, while the scores of Israeli respondents were the lowest. (4) Conclusions: various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation, and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

13 pages, 312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adolescents’ Concerns, Routines, Peer Activities, Frustration, and Optimism in the Time of COVID-19 Confinement in Spain

by Noelia Muñoz-Fernández and Ana Rodríguez-Meirinhos

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(4), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10040798 - 16 Feb 2021

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4106

Abstract

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has brought changes in adolescents’ daily routines, restrictions to in-person interactions, and serious concerns about the situation. The purpose of this study was to explore COVID-19-related concerns, daily routines, and online peer activities during the confinement period according [...] Read more.

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has brought changes in adolescents’ daily routines, restrictions to in-person interactions, and serious concerns about the situation. The purpose of this study was to explore COVID-19-related concerns, daily routines, and online peer activities during the confinement period according to sex and age groups. Additionally, the relationship of these factors and optimism along with adolescents’ frustration was examined. Participants included 1246 Spanish students aged 16–25 years old (M = 19.57; SD = 2.53; 70.8% girls). The results indicated that the top concern was their studies. COVID-19-related concerns, daily routines, and online peer activities varied by sex and age. Findings also revealed moderate to high levels of frustration, which were associated with adolescents’ main concerns, online peer activities, maintaining routines, and optimism. The results are discussed in light of their implications in designing support programs and resources to reduce the psychological impact of COVID-19 on adolescent mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

Review

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15 pages, 832 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of COVID-19 on Neuropsychiatric Disorders

by Niloufar Zia, Parsa Ravanfar, Sepideh Allahdadian and Mehdi Ghasemi

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(17), 5213; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11175213 - 3 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2696

Abstract

Since the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), many studies have shown that besides common COVID-19 symptoms, patients may develop various neuropsychiatric conditions including anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., dementia), insomnia, and even [...] Read more.

Since the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), many studies have shown that besides common COVID-19 symptoms, patients may develop various neuropsychiatric conditions including anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., dementia), insomnia, and even substance abuse disorders. COVID-19 can also worsen the patients underlying neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions during or after the system phase of disease. In this review, we discuss the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on development or status of neuropsychiatric conditions during or following COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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14 pages, 591 KiB

Open AccessReview

SARS-CoV-2 and the Brain: What Do We Know about the Causality of ‘Cognitive COVID?

by Hashir Ali Awan, Mufaddal Najmuddin Diwan, Alifiya Aamir, Muneeza Ali, Massimo Di Giannantonio, Irfan Ullah, Sheikh Shoib and Domenico De Berardis

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(15), 3441; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10153441 - 2 Aug 2021

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 8394

Abstract

The second year of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic has seen the need to identify and assess the long-term consequences of a SARS-CoV-2 infection on an individual’s overall wellbeing, including adequate cognitive functioning. ‘Cognitive COVID’ is an informal term coined to interchangeably refer [...] Read more.

The second year of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic has seen the need to identify and assess the long-term consequences of a SARS-CoV-2 infection on an individual’s overall wellbeing, including adequate cognitive functioning. ‘Cognitive COVID’ is an informal term coined to interchangeably refer to acute changes in cognition during COVID-19 and/or cognitive sequelae with various deficits following the infection. These may manifest as altered levels of consciousness, encephalopathy-like symptoms, delirium, and loss of various memory domains. Dysexecutive syndrome is a peculiar manifestation of ‘Cognitive COVID’ as well. In the previous major outbreaks of viruses like SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and Influenza. There have been attempts to understand the underlying mechanisms describing the causality of similar symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review, therefore, is attempting to highlight the current understanding of the various direct and indirect mechanisms, focusing on the role of neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2, the general pro-inflammatory state, and the pandemic-associated psychosocial stressors in the causality of ‘Cognitive COVID.’ Neurotropism is associated with various mechanisms including retrograde neuronal transmission via olfactory pathway, a general hematogenous spread, and the virus using immune cells as vectors. The high amounts of inflammation caused by COVID-19, compounded with potential intubation, are associated with a deleterious effect on the cognition as well. Finally, the pandemic’s unique psychosocial impact has raised alarm due to its possible effect on cognition. Furthermore, with surfacing reports of post-COVID-vaccination cognitive impairments after vaccines containing mRNA encoding for spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2, we hypothesize their causality and ways to mitigate the risk. The potential impact on the quality of life of an individual and the fact that even a minor proportion of COVID-19 cases developing cognitive impairment could be a significant burden on already overwhelmed healthcare systems across the world make it vital to gather further evidence regarding the prevalence, presentation, correlations, and causality of these events and reevaluate our approach to accommodate early identification, management, and rehabilitation of patients exhibiting cognitive symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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18 pages, 5277 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prevalence of Depression among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Beatriz Olaya, María Pérez-Moreno, Juan Bueno-Notivol, Patricia Gracia-García, Isabel Lasheras and Javier Santabárbara

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(15), 3406; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10153406 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 66 | Viewed by 6414

Abstract

Background: There is evidence of a high psychological toll from the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare workers. This paper was aimed at conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting levels of depression among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 and estimating the pooled [...] Read more.

Background: There is evidence of a high psychological toll from the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare workers. This paper was aimed at conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting levels of depression among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 and estimating the pooled prevalence of depression. Methods: We searched for cross-sectional studies listed on PubMed from 1 December 2019 to 15 September 2020 that reported prevalence of depression in healthcare workers, nurses, medical doctors, and COVID-19 frontline professionals. The pooled proportions of depression were calculated with random effects models. Results: We identified 57 studies from seventeen countries. The pooled prevalence of depression in healthcare workers was 24% (95% CI: 20–28%), 25% for nurses (95% CI: 18–33%), 24% for medical doctors (95% CI: 16–31%), and 43% for frontline professionals (95% CI: 28–59%). Conclusions: The proportion of depression in nurses and medical doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic was similar to that found in the general population as previously reported in other meta-analyses conducted with smaller numbers of studies. Importantly, almost half of the frontline healthcare workers showed increased levels of depression. There is need for a comprehensive, international response to prevent and treat common mental health problems in healthcare workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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