Are patients with mental disorders more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic? - Findings from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey.
J Affect Disord
; 340: 72-79, 2023 11 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37556872
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Loneliness and social isolation are well-known factors that worsen the symptoms among patients with mental disorders. Few previous studies have explored loneliness and social isolation among populations with mental disorders during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Therefore, our study examined the mental health impact of the pandemic on these population groups in terms of loneliness and social isolation.METHODS:
We used data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Surveys, a large-scale online survey. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we calculated the odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation for major chronic diseases, including mental disorders, after adjusting for potential confounders. Calculations were performed for each type of mental disorder. Finally, calculations were performed to explore the association between moderate-to-severe loneliness or high social isolation and psychiatric symptoms among patients with mental disorders.RESULTS:
Of the 28,175 participants, 2021 (7.2 %) had a mental disorder. Mental disorders, especially depression and anxiety disorders, were found to be associated with a higher risk of moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation. Patients with mental disorders who experienced moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation were found to have exacerbated psychiatric symptoms.LIMITATION:
Our findings were obtained from a cross-sectional study design.CONCLUSIONS:
Patients with mental disorders were more vulnerable to moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation during the pandemic, which contributed to the exacerbation of their symptoms. Depression and anxiety, in particular, were most likely to occur and required special attention.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
COVID-19
/
Transtornos Mentais
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Aspecto:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
Limite:
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Affect Disord
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Japão
País de publicação:
HOLANDA
/
HOLLAND
/
NETHERLANDS
/
NL
/
PAISES BAJOS
/
THE NETHERLANDS