Research suggests mental health distress continued to increase during COVID pandemic

New Delhi, Sep 11 (ANI): The findings of a new report suggest that half a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, several men and women in the USA continued to experience psychological distress, depression, and anxiety. Data shows that during the pandemic, almost half (42 per cent) of participants in the study published in the journal, Lancet Regional Health-Americas, reported at least mild psychological distress and 10 per cent of participants reported moderate to severe psychological distress. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as cancer, were more likely to report depressive symptoms during the pandemic. The study also identified factors associated with increased depression and anxiety during the pandemic, including sociodemographic characteristics, stressors, and comorbid conditions associated with increased risk for poor COVID-19 outcomes. A secondary focus examined the association of these factors with longitudinal change in psychological distress.