Stigma towards Child and Adolescent Mental Health Problems among Fathers and Mothers. A Cross-sectional Study / [El estigma de los padres y madres hacia los problemas de salud mental de niños y adolescentes. Un estudio transversal]

Background: Stigma toward child and adolescent mental health problems among parents has been understudied, despite its importance. Method: Sociodemographic variables, stigma associated with mental health problems in childhood and adolescence, myths about suicide, familiarity with mental health, and seeking professional help were assessed in a cross-sectional study in a Spanish sample (N = 268). Descriptive analyses, mean difference and regression models were carried out. Results: The results reveal medium levels of stigma, the presence of myths about suicide and average familiarity with mental health. Mothers and a higher level of education, showed lower levels of stigma and fewer myths about suicide. A regression model explains the 44% of the variance with myths about suicide, stigma and familiarity with mental health as predictors of seeking professional help attitudes. Conclusions: Stigma, myths surrounding suicide, and parental unfamiliarity with mental health may act as barriers to appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Practical implications and recommendations are discussed.(AU)

Antecedentes: La estigmatización de los problemas de salud mental en niños y adolescentes en los padres y madres no se ha estudiado lo suficiente a pesar de su importancia. Método: Se evaluaron variables sociodemográficas, el estigma asociado con los problemas de salud mental en la infancia y la adolescencia, mitos sobre el suicidio, conocimiento de la salud mental y la búsqueda de ayuda profesional en un estudio exploratorio transversal en una muestra española de padres y madres (N = 268). Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, de diferencia de medias y modelos de regresión. Resultados: Los resultados revelan un nivel medio de estigma, la presencia de mitos sobre el suicidio y un conocimiento medio con la salud mental. Las madres y un mayor nivel educativo mostraron menores niveles de estigma y menos mitos sobre el suicidio. El 44% de la varianza de la búsqueda de ayuda profesional se explica a través de los mitos sobre el suicidio, el estigma y el conocimiento de la salud mental como predictores de las actitudes de búsqueda de ayuda profesional. Conclusiones: Se establecen recomendaciones prácticas, subrayando cómo el estigma, los mitos sobre el suicidio y la falta de conocimiento de los progenitores de la salud mental pueden actuar como barreras para un diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuados. Se discuten las implicaciones prácticas y las recomendaciones.(AU)

The stigma of mental health problems: A cross-sectional study in a representative sample of Spain.

BACKGROUND: Mental health stigma is a relevant phenomenon with implications for the people who suffer from it. Despite its importance, no studies have been carried out in Spain at national level with a representative sample of the population. AIMS: The aim of this research is to analyze the stigma associated with MHPs in a representative sample of the Spanish population for the first time. METHOD: A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive study was carried out with a representative sample of the population (N = 2746). Descriptive analyses and regressions are carried out on the different dimensions of stigma such as attitude, attribution and intention of social distance. RESULTS: Medium levels of stigma are obtained in stigmatizing attitudes and attributions, and medium-low levels in the intention of social distance. The best predictors of stigma in its different dimensions are attitudes, attributions and intention of social distance themselves. Progressive political ideology is related to less stigma in all dimensions. Knowing someone with mental health problems and talking openly about it together with higher education are also relevant protectors. Mixed results are obtained regarding age, gender and help-seeking. CONCLUSION: National programs and campaigns focused on attitudes, attributions and behavioral intentions are necessary to reduce the stigma still present in Spanish society.

Exploratory study on the quality of forensic assessments using the Istanbul Protocol in a virtual versus face-to-face environment.

INTRODUCTION: With the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, most torture victim care centres had to adapt their forensic assessment methods and move to online methodologies. Therefore, it is essential to assess the advan-tages and disadvantages of this type of inter-vention, which seems to be here to stay. METHOD: Structured administered surveys were conducted with professionals (n=21) and with torture survivors (SoT) (n=21) from a sample of 21 Istanbul Protocols (IP). Compar-ing face-to-face (n=10) and remote (n=11) in-terviews in relation to the evaluation process, satisfaction, difficulties encountered, and compliance with therapeutic aspects. All as-sessments were primarily psychological. Three remote and four face-to-face interviews in-cluded a medical assessment. RESULTS: No significant problems were found in relation to the ethical requirements of the IP. Satisfaction with the process was pos-itive in both modalities. Regarding the online method, there were frequent connection prob-lems and a lack of adequate material resources in the remote assessments, requiring a signifi-cantly higher number of interviews in most cases. Survivors were more satisfied than eval-uators. Overall, the forensic experts described problems in complex cases with an under-standing of the person's emotional response, they established a bond, and they undertook psychotherapeutic interventions in the event of an emotional crisis during the assessment. In the face-to-face protocols, logistical and travel problems were frequent, which meant that fo-rensic work times had to be adapted. DISCUSSION: The two methodologies are not directly comparable but have specific issues to be studied and addressed. More invest-ment and adaptation in remote methodology is needed, especially given the poor economic situation of many SoT. Remote assessment is a valid alternative to face-to-face interviews in specific cases. However, there are very relevant human and therapeutic aspects that indicate that, whenever possible, face-to-face assess-ment should be preferred.

Social Stigma Towards Mental Health Problems in Spain: A Systematic Review / El estigma social hacia los problemas de salud mental en España: una revisión sistemática

Introduction: This review focuses on social stigma associated with mental health problems in Spain in recent years. Method: A systematic search was conducted in SCOPUS, PsycInfo and Pubmed from 2010 to 2021. Twenty-six articles met inclusion criteria, and their quality was assessed following the STROBE-checklist. Results: In the Spanish population, stigmatising dynamics are detected in three dimensions of stigma: cognitive (beliefs of dangerousness, unpredictability, irresponsibility); emotional (prejudices and emotions of fear, anger, blaming for the psychological problem); and behavioural (discriminatory behaviours, avoidance, coercion). The results also show significant levels of stigma among health professionals. In contrast, those who have contact with mental health problems, or are trained in mental health, tend to show lower stigma. Conclusions: Longitudinal studies with rigorous methodology are needed to access strong empirical evidence in this field. Contact and education may be relevant factors in programming interventions, both in the general population and in health professionals. (AU)

Introducción: Esta revisión se centra en el estigma social asociado a los problemas de salud mental en España en los últimos años. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en SCOPUS, PsycInfo y Pubmed de 2010 a 2021. Veintiséis artículos cumplían los criterios de inclusión y su calidad se evaluó siguiendo la lista de comprobación STROBE. Resultados. En la población española se detectan dinámicas estigmatizadoras en tres dimensiones del estigma: cognitiva (creencias de peligrosidad, imprevisibilidad, irresponsabilidad), emocional (prejuicios y emociones de miedo, ira, culpabilización del problema psicológico) y conductual (conductas discriminatorias, evitación, coacción). Los resultados también muestran niveles significativos de estigma entre los profesionales sanitarios. Por el contrario, aquellas personas que tienen contacto con problemas de salud mental o están formadas en el tema tienden a mostrar un menor estigma. Conclusiones: Se necesitan estudios longitudinales con una metodología rigurosa para acceder a evidencia empírica sólida en este campo. El contacto y la educación pueden ser factores relevantes a la hora de programar intervenciones antiestigma, tanto en la población general como en los profesionales sanitarios. (AU)

Implications of stigma towards mental health problems on suicide risk in people with mental health problems: a systematic review.

Stigma associated with psychological problems is a major concern that negatively affects people living with different symptomatology, sometimes with serious consequences for their health.

Implicaciones del estigma hacia losproblemas de salud mental en elriesgo de suicidio en personas conproblemas de salud mental: unarevisión sistemática / Implications of stigma towards mental health problems on suicide risk in people with mental health problems: a systematic review

Introducción: El estigma asociado a los problemas psicológicos es una cuestión preocupante que afecta negativamente a las personas que conviven con diferentes sintomatologías, en ocasiones con graves consecuencias para susalud. El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue realizar unarevisión sistemática actualizada para explorar la relación entre el estigma asociado a los problemas de salud mental y elriesgo de suicidio en la población clínica, así como estudiarlas variables implicadas en esta relación.Método. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datosPsycInfo, Pubmed y Scopus, utilizando palabras clave relacionadas con el estigma, el suicidio, y limitando los estudiosa muestras clínicas. La búsqueda incluyó artículos en inglés yespañol desde enero de 2012 hasta diciembre de 2020.Resultados. Un total de 12 artículos cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y fueron seleccionados para el análisis. Losresultados sugieren que el aumento del auto estigma hacialos problemas de salud mental se asocia con un mayor riesgo de suicidio en población clínica. Asimismo, se sugierenvariables implicadas en esta relación, como la depresión, ladesesperanza, la pérdida de sentido vital, el desempleo o ladisminución de las redes de apoyo. (AU)

Background: Stigma associated with psychological problems is a major concern that negatively affects people living with different symptomatology, sometimes with seriousconsequences for their health. The principal purpose of thispaper was to carry out an updated systematic review to explore the relationship between the stigma associated withmental health problems and the risk of suicide in the clinicalpopulation, as well as to study the variables involved in thisrelationship.Method. A search was carried out in the PsycInfo, Pubmed and Scopus databases, using keywords related to stigma, suicide, and limiting the studies to clinical samples. Thesearch included articles in English and Spanish from January2012 to December 2020.Results. A total of 12 articles met the inclusion criteriaand were selected for analysis. The results suggest that increased self-stigma toward mental health problems is associated with increased risk of suicide in clinical population.Also, variables involved in this relationship are suggested,such as depression, hopelessness, loss of vital sense, unemployment or decrease of support networks. (AU)

Mental health in a heterogeneous clinical sample. A cross-sectional study of predictors and gender differences.

Introduction: Women have been shown to be a vulnerable group in relation to mental health problems over time. Despite this, gender-focused studies are uncommon. The aim of this research is to study mental health in a sample of people with mental health problems and to analyze the differences and predictors focusing on gender. Methods: A cross-sectional study is conducted in a heterogeneous clinical sample in terms of mental health problems (N = 160). Interviews with hetero-reported standardized questionnaires to collect the data are conducted. Descriptive analyses, mean difference and a regression analysis on mental health are carried out taking into account different sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial variables. Results: Women in the study present worse levels of mental health and subjective severity of the disorder. The main predictors of mental health are being female, followed by severity, shorter time with the diagnosis and internalized stigma. Conclusion: Being female is the most robust predictor of worse mental health and symptomatology. Recommendations according to the results found proposing a gender perspective are suggested.

Mental illness stigma. A comparative cross-sectional study of social stigma, internalized stigma and self-esteem / El estigma de la enfermedad mental. Estudio comparativo transversal del estigma social, el internalizado y la autoestima

The aim of this study was to explore the role of stigma in different diagnoses of mental illness. A cross-sectional study (N = 255) was developed in two groups: users of a rehabilitation network for people with severe mental illness (Group-I) and people with common diagnoses in an ambulatory psychiatric service (Group-II). Internalized stigma, social stigma, self-esteem, and sociodemographic variables were measured. Mean comparisons, ANOVAs, and independent linear regression models were carried out. Similar overall scores were obtained for the internalized stigma, but Group-I reported more discrimination and resistance to stigma and also had less social stigma. The regression model for Group-I revealed social stigma and self-esteem as predictors, while in Group-II only self-esteem was significant. The study reveals differences in internalized stigma according to the care resource and diagnoses, suggesting different intervention lines and underlining the importance of further research on this topic. (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio ha sido explorar el papel del estigma en los diferentes diagnósticos de la enfermedad mental. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal (N = 255) en dos grupos: usuarios de una red de rehabilitación para personas con enfermedad mental grave (grupo I) y personas con diagnósticos comunes en un servicio psiquiátrico ambulatorio (grupo II). Se midió el estigma internalizado, el social, la autoestima y las variables sociodemográficas. Se llevaron a cabo comparaciones medias, ANOVA y modelos de regresión lineal independientes. Se obtuvieron puntuaciones generales similares para el estigma internalizado, pero el grupo I manisfestó más discriminación y resistencia al estigma y también menor estigma social. El modelo de regresión para el grupo I mostró como predictores el estigma social y la autoestima, mientras que en el grupo II sólo la autoestima era significativa. El estudio muestra diferencias en el estigma internalizado según el recurso de atención y los diagnósticos, lo que sugiere diferentes líneas de intervención y subraya la importancia de seguir investigando en este tema. (AU)

Longitudinal study of age-related differences in the psychological impact of confinement as a consequence of COVID-19 in a Spanish sample / Estudio longitudinal de las diferencias relacionadas con la edad en el impacto psicológico del confinamiento como consecuencia de la Covid-19 en una muestra española

This research aims to analyze age-related differences in the psychological impact of the Covid-19 confinement situation in a Spanish sample. A longitudinal study (N= 1,041) was conducted through an online survey with two measurements: at two and five weeks after the declaration of the alarm state in Spain. Post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depressive symptoms, spiritual well- being and perceived loneliness were evaluated by screening tests. Means and their confidence intervals (95%) were calculated for all variables in the study, for the three age groups: 18-30, 31-59, 60-80. Linear mixed models with random slopes (Time nested to Subjects) were calculated for each variable. The results indicate that the psychological impact caused by the pandemic persists over time, and even increases in some of the variables studied. The older age group (60-80 years) shows the least impact and the greatest well-being. They presented less depressive, anxious and PTSD symptoms and less loneliness. These results may be explained by the greater resilience of this group to recover from adverse situations, in addition to having a greater number of coping strategies.

Se analizan las diferencias relacionadas con la edad en el impacto psicológico del confinamiento a consecuencia de la Covid-19 en una muestra española. Se realizó un estudio longitudinal (N= 1.041) mediante una encuesta online con dos mediciones: a las dos y cinco semanas de la declaración del estado de alarma en España. Se evaluaron mediante cuestionarios de detección los síntomas de trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT), ansiedad y depresión, bienestar espiritual y soledad percibida. Se calcularon las medias y sus intervalos de confianza (95%) para todas las variables del estudio, para los tres grupos de edad: 18-30, 31-59, 60-80. Para cada variable se calcularon modelos lineales mixtos con pendientes aleatorias (tiempo anidado a los sujetos). El impacto psicológico persiste a lo largo del tiempo, aumentando en algunas de las variables. El grupo de mayor edad muestra menor impacto y mayor bienestar. Presentan menos síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y TEPT y menos soledad. Estos resultados pueden explicarse por la mayor resiliencia de este grupo para recuperarse de situaciones adversas, y el mayor número de estrategias de afrontamiento.

Predictors of Implicit and Explicit Internalized Stigma in a Sample With Different Mental Illness Diagnoses.

ABSTRACT: This research aimed to study implicit and explicit internalized stigma and its relationship with other variables in a sample of people with distinct mental illness diagnoses ( N = 160). Descriptive analysis, mean differences, correlations, and stepwise regression models were conducted. Implicit and explicit internalized stigma was found throughout the sample with differences depending on certain sociodemographic variables. Regression models revealed symptomatology, physical environment, personality traits, references to mental illness, and the time taken to seek professional help as predictors of explicit internalized stigma. At the implicit level, only self-esteem was found as a predictor explaining a low percentage of the variance. The results obtained underline the differences between implicit and explicit stigma, suggesting different relevant variables for interventions focused on prevention and internalized stigma reduction.

The Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: A Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to longitudinally assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the general Spanish population. It uses four assessment points: two weeks after the start of confinement, one month after, two months after, and one year after the first evaluation. METHODS: Evaluations were conducted through an online survey, with a sample of 3,480 people at the first data collection and 1,041, 569, and 550 people at successive evaluation points. Depressive symptoms (PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-2), post-traumatic stress (PCL-C-2), social support (EMAS), loneliness (UCLA-3), and discrimination (InDI-d) were evaluated. RESULTS: Significant changes were found in the variables depression and anxiety with a greater presence of this kind of symptomatology after one year (p < .01). There were also significant changes in the variable social support, which showed a substantial reduction after one year (p < .001). Similarly, there were significant variations in the variable intersectional discrimination (p < .001), with greater levels of discrimination. The temporal models show no significant differences in terms of post-traumatic symptomatology (p = .12) or loneliness (p = .19). CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic had a negative impact on mental health and these effects were further exacerbated one year later.

The Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: A Longitudinal Study / Impacto Psicológico de la Pandemia de la COVID-19 en España: un Estudio Longitudinal

Background: This study aims to longitudinally assess the psychologicalimpact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the general Spanish population.It uses four assessment points: two weeks after the start of confinement,one month after, two months after, and one year after the first evaluation.Methods: Evaluations were conducted through an online survey, with asample of 3,480 people at the first data collection and 1,041, 569, and 550people at successive evaluation points. Depressive symptoms (PHQ-2),anxiety (GAD-2), post-traumatic stress (PCL-C-2), social support (EMAS),loneliness (UCLA-3), and discrimination (InDI-d) were evaluated.Results: Significant changes were found in the variables depression and anxiety witha greater presence of this kind of symptomatology after one year (p < .01).There were also significant changes in the variable social support, whichshowed a substantial reduction after one year (p < .001). Similarly, therewere significant variations in the variable intersectional discrimination (p <.001), with greater levels of discrimination. The temporal models show nosignificant differences in terms of post-traumatic symptomatology (p = .12)or loneliness (p = .19). Conclusions: The pandemic had a negative impacton mental health and these effects were further exacerbated one year later.

Antecedentes: el objetivo es evaluar el impactopsicológico de la pandemia generada por la COVID-19 en la poblacióngeneral española longitudinalmente en cuatro momentos: tras dos semanasdel inicio del confinamiento, al mes, a los dos meses y al año. Método: lasevaluaciones se realizaron mediante una encuesta online, se siguió a unamuestra de 3.480 personas en la primera recogida de datos y de 1.041, 569y 550 personas en los sucesivos momentos de evaluación. Se evaluó lapresencia de síntomas depresivos (PHQ-2), de ansiedad (GAD-2), de estréspostraumático (PCL-C-2), el apoyo social (EMAS), la soledad (UCLA-3)y la discriminación (InDI-D). Resultados: se han producido cambios significativos en las variables de depresión y ansiedad con una presenciamayor de dicha sintomatología al año (p < .01), así como en la variable deapoyo social, que muestra una reducción significativa un año después (p <.001), y en la discriminación interseccional, con una mayor discriminación (p < .001). Los modelos temporales no muestran diferencias significativasen cuanto a sintomatología postraumática (p = .12) ni soledad (p = .19).Conclusiones: la pandemia ha tenido un impacto negativo en la saludmental y estos efectos son todavía peores un año después.

Evolution of intersectional perceived discrimination and internalized stigma during COVID-19 lockdown among the general population in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Stigma and discrimination have been associated with different diseases and pandemics, with negative consequences for the people who suffered them and for their communities. Currently, COVID-19 has become a new source of stigmatization. AIMS: The aim of the present study is to analyze longitudinally the evolution of intersectional perceived discrimination and internalized stigma among the general population of Spain, at three points in time throughout the confinement. METHOD: Participants completed an online survey. RESULTS: Results show an increase in both variables from the first to the second evaluation, and a slight decrease from the second to the third evaluation. Moreover, these changes are explained by depression, anxiety and family support. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate the factors that need to be considered to reduce the perception of discrimination and the internalization of stigma, and their detrimental consequences, during an especially stressful event such as the current pandemic outbreak.

The Role of the Sense of Belonging During the Alarm Situation and Return to the New Normality of the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) in Spain.

In this study we intend to understand the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and the subsequent stay-at-home orders, on the Spanish population's sense of belonging at three moments in time: at the beginning of the lockdown, after one month of lockdown and with the return to the "new normality". A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey (N0 = 3480; N1 = 1041; N2 = 569). The sense of belonging was evaluated by means of four Likert-type items. These questions included membership in different groups: work/studies, friends, family and neighborhood or community. Sociodemographic and COVID-19-related data were collected. Additionally, mental health, spiritual well-being, loneliness, social support and discrimination were assessed. Descriptive analyses were carried out and linear regression models compiled. The sense of belonging increased significantly during confinement, dropping dramatically with the start of the return to the "new normality" process. The only variable that showed interaction with time and sense of belonging was discrimination. Work condition (not working providing the lowest sense of belonging scores), social support from friends and loneliness were the main predictors of the sense of belonging. The impact caused by the pandemic and the actions adopted during the first weeks regarding the sense of belonging is evident. It has been a key variable in dealing with COVID-19. Actions are now needed to increase our sense of belonging to face the post-epidemic crisis and avoid a greater impact in other areas.

Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on perceived discrimination and internalized stigma in people with previous mental disorder diagnoses in Spain.

COVID-19 disease control efforts and consequences are likely to be complicated by the impact of fear and stigmatization of the novel coronavirus. These complications may also worsen due to the potential compounding of COVID-19 related stigma with stigmatization associated with previously diagnosed conditions. This exploratory study analyzes the experiences of the stigma associated with COVID-19 lockdown in people with different previous diagnoses 2 and 5 weeks after the beginning of the state of emergency in Spain. Gender and age were controlled as covariables and 1,052 people participated in the study. The diagnosis groups were: Psychiatry and mental health (n = 71), Cardiovascular disease (n = 42), Neurological disease (n = 23), Lung disease (n = 53), and No diagnosis (n = 863). The instruments used to measure the stigma were the Intersectional Day-to-Day Discrimination Index and two items of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale. Analysis of covariance of repeated measures and analysis of variance, including Scheffe's post hoc test, were performed. We found significant differences in stigma among the first and second evaluation. Regarding the previous diagnosis, no differences were found at Time 1, but significant differences were found at Time 2, with those having a previous psychiatric or mental health diagnosis reporting higher levels of perceived discrimination and internalized stigmatization. Our results suggest that people with previous stigmatizing conditions might be more vulnerable to experiencing stigma in a confinement situation. In order to reduce the burden of the COVID-19 stigma, health interventions should also consider the resulting intersection of effects on internalized stigma and perceived discrimination. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

A Network Analysis of Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms and Age- and Gender-Related Differences in People over 65 in a Madrid Community Sample (Spain).

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent conditions among mental disorders in individuals over 65 years. People over 65 who suffer from MDD are often functionally impaired, chronically physically ill, and express cognitive problems. The concordance between a clinician-assessed MDD diagnosis in a primary care setting and MDD assessed with a structured clinical interview in older adults is only approximately 18%. Network analysis may provide an alternative statistical technique to better understand MDD in this population by a dimensional approach to symptomatology. The aim of this study was to carry out a network analysis of major depressive disorder (MDD) in people over 65 years old. A symptom network analysis was conducted according to age and gender in 555 people over 65, using a sample from the MentDis_ICF65+ Study. The results revealed different networks for men and women, and for the age groups 65-74 and 75-84. While depressive mood stood out in women, in men the network was more dispersed with fatigue or loss of energy and sleep disturbances as the main symptoms. In the 65-74 age group, the network was complex; however, in the 75-84 age group, the network was simpler with sleep disturbances as the central symptom. The gaps between the networks indicate the different characteristics of MDD in the elderly, with variations by gender and age, supporting the idea that MDD is a complex dynamic system that has unique characteristics in each person, rather than a prototypical classification with an underlying mental disorder. These unique characteristics can be taken into account in the clinical practice for detection and intervention of MDD.

Mental Health Consequences of the Coronavirus 2020 Pandemic (COVID-19) in Spain. A Longitudinal Study.

Background: Covid-19 remains a pandemic that most countries in the world are still dealing with. This is study aims to report the psychological impact of Covid-19 over time on the Spanish population. Methods: A longitudinal study (N = 1041) was carried out with two measurements: after 2 and 5 weeks starting from the declaration of the state of emergency in Spain. The presence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disease (PTSD) was evaluated by means of screening tests. Sociodemographic data, variables about Covid-19, loneliness, spiritual well-being, social support, discrimination, and a sense of belonging were collected. Results: The data showed how depressive symptomatology increased significantly over time, while anxiety and PTSD did not show statistically significant changes. Spiritual well-being and loneliness were the main predictors of psychological impact. A younger age was a significant predictor of depression and anxiety, while female gender was associated with anxiety and PTSD. Conclusions: The impact of the pandemic is sustained over time, even increasing in depression, and vulnerable groups that need greater psychological health support could be identified.

Mental health consequences during the initial stage of the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in Spain.

The pandemic caused by Covid-19 has been an unprecedented social and health emergency worldwide. This is the first study in the scientific literature reporting the psychological impact of the Covid-19 outbreak in a sample of the Spanish population. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey of 3480 people. The presence of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was evaluated with screening tests from 14 March. Sociodemographic and Covid-19-related data was collected. Additionally, spiritual well-being, loneliness, social support, discrimination and sense of belonging were assessed. Descriptive analyses were carried out and linear regression models compiled. The 18.7% of the sample revealed depressive, 21.6% anxiety and 15.8% PTSD symptoms. Being in the older age group, having economic stability and the belief that adequate information had been provided about the pandemic were negatively related to depression, anxiety and PTSD. However, female gender, previous diagnoses of mental health problems or neurological disorders, having symptoms associated with the virus, or those with a close relative infected were associated with greater symptomatology in all three variables. Predictive models revealed that the greatest protector for symptomatology was spiritual well-being, while loneliness was the strongest predictor of depression, anxiety and PTSD. The impact on our mental health caused by the pandemic and the measures adopted during the first weeks to deal with it are evident. In addition, it is possible to identify the need of greater psychological support in general and in certain particularly vulnerable groups.

Proposal for an implicit stigma measure in mental illness: A multigroup study.

An Implicit Association Test was developed to assess the mental illness stigma in people from the general population, mental health professionals, people with a diagnosis, and family members. No differences were found between groups. Implicit stigma was found throughout the sample, with lower scores in the younger age group.