Laura J. Dixon, Sara M. Witcraft & Mary J. Schadegg (2023) COVID-19 anxiety and mental health among university students during the early phases of the U.S. pandemic, Journal of American College Health, 71:4, 1152-1160, https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2021.1923504 

Grand Valley State University

- Depression
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Hoarding Disorder
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Anxiety/ Panic Disorders
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Schizophrenia 
- Borderline Personality Disorder

Mental Disorders Affected By The Covid-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing isolation measures has had negative psychological impact on the general population of China, measured by mean levels of stress, depression and anxiety. Authors conducted a cross-sectional study (Jan. 31 - Feb. 2) (n=1210, from 194 cities) using an online questionnaire disseminated to university students who were encouraged to pass it along. Overall, 75.5% of respondents reported psychological impacts resulting from the pandemic. Women, students, presentation of various symptoms (ex: dizziness, coryza), and low reported health-status are high risk-factors for worsened mental health. Identifying populations vulnerable to psychological distress, and factors favouring psychological health, provide insight for the formulation of psychological interventions.

Psychological response to the first wave of COVID-19 in China (stress, depression and anxiety)

Hoarding disorder is characterized by a persistent difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. This behavior frequently results in the accumulation of items that clutter and congest the individual's living area.

Hoarding Disorder

Schizophrenia is a severe psychological disorder that leads to a profound breakdown in an individual's ability to function, often necessitating hospitalization. It is characterized by significant disruptions in thought, perception, emotion, and behavior, including symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, incoherent thinking, bizarre actions, flat emotions, and a lack of motivation for basic activities. It is important to distinguish schizophrenia from dissociative identity disorder ('split personality'), as the term 'schizophrenia' refers to a 'splitting of psychic functions,' not a divided personality.

Schizophrenia

- Factors increasing anxiety
- Protective factors against anxiety

Areas impact between COVID and Anxiety/Panic Disorders

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition where an individual experiences a collection of persistent symptoms following a traumatic or profoundly stressful event, such as combat, sexual assault, or a natural disaster. For a diagnosis, these symptoms must last for at least one month. The traumatic event can be witnessed firsthand or secondhand. Historically, PTSD was referred to by terms like 'shell shock' and 'combat neurosis' due to its frequent association with war, but it is now recognized as affecting a wider population.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions are defined as intrusive and unwanted thoughts, mental images, fears, sensations, or urges. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform, often in response to an obsession. These cycles of obsessions and compulsions are typically distressing, time-consuming, and can significantly disrupt a person's daily activities.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a condition where an individual is intensely preoccupied with a perceived flaw in their physical appearance, which is often nonexistent or barely perceptible to others. This preoccupation can cause the person to believe they are unattractive, ugly, or deformed. The intense focus on these imagined defects leads to repetitive, ritualistic behaviors and mental acts. These compulsions can include constantly checking one's appearance in the mirror, attempting to conceal the perceived flaw, making comparisons to others, and in some cases, seeking cosmetic surgery.

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