Mental-Health Crisis From Pandemic Was Minimal According To Study
11 Mar 2023
The coronavirus pandemics impact on people’s general mental health has been described as minimal by a new study.
The conclusion was drawn after 137 studies were analysed by the BMJ review.
No change in general mental health or anxiety symptoms in the general population was found.
Depression symptoms saw a minimal increase and the general mental health, anxiety and depression symptoms in female participants slightly worsened, caused by working in healthcare or elder care, multiple family responsibility or domestic violence.
Critics of the findings highlight that most of the data came from high-income European and Asian countries and failed to include lower-income countries.
On top of that the groups most likely affected including children, young people and those with existing problems didn’t receive any specific focus.
Dr Gemma Knowles, from King’s College London, said:
“There is evidence from other studies of considerable variation – with some people’s mental health improving and others’ deteriorating,”
“This may mean no overall increase – but this shouldn’t be interpreted as suggesting the pandemic didn’t have major negative effects among some groups.”