The Effect of COVID-19 on Anxiety, Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Psychosocial Determinants

Abstract

The study anonymously screened patients with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with the novel viral pneumonia (COVID-19) pandemic from June 2020 to July 2020. Effective respondents came from 12 countries and five WHO response areas. Psychosocial factors including gender, personality, family support, and exercise are analyzed. Female, and who has mental disorder history is considered a significant risk factor for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conversely, people with the personality of optimistic, close family relationships and daily exercise are considered to have fewer psychological symptoms when coping with COVID-19, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These results may help to optimize mental health services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, taking into account various psychosocial factors such as gender, personality, family support, and exercise.

Keywords: COVID-19, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), gender, family support, personality, exercise, psychosocial determinants

JEL Classification: I1, I12