A Continuous Literature Review for Mental Health Surveillance during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Germany - Method, Selected Results and Lessons Learned

• Published in: Psychiatrische Praxis Vol. 51; no. 4; p. 178
• Main Authors: Eicher, Sophie Christine, Wilhelm, Julia, Mauz, Elvira, Junker, Stephan, Hölling, Heike, Schmid, Lorenz, Thom, Julia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Adult; COVID-19 - epidemiology; COVID-19 - psychology; Depression - epidemiology; Depression - psychology; Depressive Disorder - diagnosis; Depressive Disorder - epidemiology; Depressive Disorder - psychology; Germany; Humans; Mental Disorders - epidemiology; Mental Disorders - psychology; Pandemics; Population Surveillance; SARS-CoV-2; Germany
• ISSN: 1439-0876
• DOI: 10.1055/a-2241-4148

In order to provide an up-to-date overview on changes in population's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, a continuous literature review was conducted. Building on a rapid review, systematic and hand searches were conducted monthly until December 31, 2022. Studies were assessed for observation periods, risk of bias and outcomes. Trends in depressive symptoms in adults were summarized by vote counting. 102 publications were included from 62 studies in the adult population. Studies declined over the course of the pandemic. Overall, 37% of the studies and 56% of the publications can assess trends in the population reliably. Among evidence for changes in depressive symptoms deteriorations predominated at last. The heterogeneity of results published by the end of 2022 limits evidence syntheses. Evidence of deterioration requires further surveillance. A continuous review can indicate evidence gaps at an early stage.