Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the psychological health of individuals with mental health conditions: A mixed methods study

• Published in: Journal of Clinical Psychology Vol. 78; no. 4; pp. 710 - 728
• Main Authors: Miller, Alexia E., Mehak, Adrienne, Trolio, Vittoria, Racine, Sarah E.
• Format: Journal Article Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: United States John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.04.2022; Wiley Periodicals Inc; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: Adult; Anxiety; Anxiety - epidemiology; Anxiety - psychology; COVID-19; COVID‐19 pandemic; depression; Female; Humans; Male; Mental disorders; Mental Health; mental health symptoms; mental illness; Mixed methods research; Pandemics; Regular; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 pandemic; anxiety; mental health symptoms; depression; mental illness
• ISSN: 0021-9762; 1097-4679
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23250

Objectives This study explored how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has affected individuals with mental health conditions. Methods Participants were 477 adults (82% female) who reported a past‐year mental health condition. They completed an online survey that included an open‐ended question. Mixed methods analysis was conducted. Results While all mental health conditions were moderately impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic, self‐reported impact on anxiety disorder and obsessive‐compulsive disorder symptoms was greater than for all other mental health symptoms. Thematic analysis revealed five themes: (1) the contribution of the pandemic to worsening mental health; (2) life interruptions due to the pandemic; (3) increased loneliness/isolation; (4) upsides of the pandemic; and (5) normalization of the anxieties previously experienced by those with mental health conditions. Conclusion Individuals with pre‐existing mental health conditions reported a worsening of symptoms during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Governments and organizations must focus on supporting and increasing access to treatment for this population.