Mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: longitudinal analyses of adults in the UK COVID-19 Mental Health & Wellbeing study

O'Connor, R. C. et al. (2021) Mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: longitudinal analyses of adults in the UK COVID-19 Mental Health & Wellbeing study. British Journal of Psychiatry, 218(6), pp. 326-333. (doi: 10.1192/bjp.2020.212) (PMID:33081860) (PMCID:PMC7684009)

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Abstract

Background; The effects of COVID-19 on the population's mental health and wellbeing are likely to be profound and long-lasting. Aims: To investigate the trajectory of mental health and wellbeing during the first six weeks of lockdown in adults in the UK. Method: A quota survey design and a sampling frame that permitted recruitment of a national sample was employed. Findings for waves 1 (31st March to 9th April 2020), 2 (10th April to 27th April 2020) and 3 (28th April to 11th May 2020) are reported here. A range of mental health factors was assessed: pre-existing mental health problems, suicide attempts and self-harm, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, defeat, entrapment, mental well-being, and loneliness. Results: A total of 3077 adults in the UK completed the survey at wave 1. Suicidal ideation increased over time. Symptoms of anxiety, levels of defeat and entrapment decreased across waves whereas levels of depressive symptoms did not change significantly. Positive wellbeing also increased. Levels of loneliness did not change significantly over waves. Sub- group analyses showed that females, young people (18-29 years), those from more socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and those with pre-existing mental health problems have worse mental health outcomes during the pandemic across most factors. Conclusions: The mental health and wellbeing of the UK adult population appears to have been affected in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increasing rates of suicidal thoughts across waves, especially among young adults, are concerning.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:O'Carroll, Prof Ronan and Melson, Dr Ambrose and Robb, Professor Katie and Cleare, Dr Seonaid and Zortea, Dr Tiago and Wetherall, Miss Karen and Mcclelland, Dr Heather and O'Connor, Professor Rory and Niedzwiedz, Dr Claire
Authors: O'Connor, R. C., Wetherall, K., Cleare, S., Mcclelland, H., Melson, A. J., Niedzwiedz, C. L., O'Carroll, R. E., O'Connor, D. B., Platt, S., Scowcroft, E., Watson, B., Zortea, T., Ferguson, E., and Robb, K. A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:British Journal of Psychiatry
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
ISSN:0007-1250
ISSN (Online):1472-1465
Published Online:21 October 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 The Authors
First Published:First published in British Journal of Psychiatry 218(6): 326-333
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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