Research results that the impact of the new corona on mental health is 'not as big as previously thought'



A study analyzing survey results on new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and mental health found that the impact of COVID-19 on mental health was negligible, a study centered on McGill University in Canada team announced. As a result, the conventional reports that the turmoil caused by the pandemic undermined people's minds and brought about a 'second pandemic' such as depression and anxiety disorders were influenced by expectations and assumptions. was suggested.

Comparison of mental health symptoms before and during the covid-19 pandemic: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of 134 cohorts |

https://www.bmj.com/content/380/bmj-2022-074224

World's most comprehensive study on COVID-19 mental health | myMcGill - McGill University
https://www.mcgill.ca/mymcgill/channels/news/worlds-most-comprehensive-study-covid-19-mental-health-346392

Covid's effect on mental health not as great as first thought, study suggestions | Mental health | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/08/covid-effect-mental-health-study-mcgill-university

In May 2020, when COVID-19 began to rage in earnest, survey results were reported that `` one-third of Americans had depression and anxiety disorders '', but on the other hand There is still no unified view on the impact of COVID-19 and the accompanying social changes on mental health, such as the research results that ` `one-third of young people felt happy during the lockdown. '' is not.

Survey results that ``one-third of Americans have depression and anxiety disorders'' due to the influence of the new coronavirus-GIGAZINE



Therefore, a research team led by Brett Toms at McGill University conducted a study to review 137 research papers on COVID-19 and mental health reported by April 11, 2022. Most studies were from high-income or middle-income countries, and none were from low-income countries. The regional breakdown of studies was 52 (38%) in Europe and Central Asia, 46 (34%) in East Asia and the Pacific, 28 (20%) in North America, and 11 in other regions. (8%). Also, 76% of the participants were adults and the remaining 24% were children under the age of 19.

The analysis found that, contrary to previous research suggesting that COVID-19 had caused a ``tsunami of mental health deterioration'', the increase in mental symptoms was negligible.

About this, Toms said, ``The impact of COVID-19 on mental health has been much more subtle than people say. During the pandemic, many people's mental health deteriorated significantly. The claims are largely based on 'snapshot' studies of specific situations, locations and time periods, and long-term studies comparing pre- and post-pandemic situations are not yet available. I'm talking.

``Our findings underscore the importance of conducting rigorous scientific research,'' says Toms. It may be a realistic prediction, ”he said, pointing out that previous research may have been influenced by predictions that mental health would deteriorate due to pandemics.



Overall, the study found little deterioration in mental health due to COVID-19, but also found that women's symptoms were slightly worse in the early stages of the pandemic. The research team believes that this may be due to busyness at home, the impact of work such as medical and nursing care, or domestic violence.

In addition, depressive symptoms worsened even among the elderly, college students, and those who identified themselves as belonging to a sexual minority group. was given. ``These results suggest that some women and minority groups are experiencing poorer mental health and need continued support,'' said Daniel Rice, a psychologist at McMaster University. I suggest,' he commented.

In this way, while mental health deteriorated for some people, there was little impact on society as a whole. I also have a house.

Gemma Knowles, a researcher at the Center for Social and Mental Health at King's College London, who was not directly involved in this research, told the overseas media The Guardian, This is consistent with other studies, including mine, that some people's mental health improves and some people's mental health worsens, a phenomenon that may not have led to an increase in mental health problems overall. ”He said.

in Science, Posted by log1l_ks