Longitudinal associations of chronic health stress and COVID-19-related anxiety among outpatients with anxiety and mood disorders

Background

The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led to elevated levels of psychological distress on a global scale. Given that individuals with pre-existing physical conditions are at risk for worse COVID-19 outcomes, those dealing with the stress of physical health problems (including knowing someone with health problems) may experience more severe distress during the pandemic.

Methods

Patients with emotional disorders who completed a diagnostic assessment in the 6 months prior to COVID-19 were surveyed in May–June 2020 on their emotional reactions to COVID-19 (N = 77).

Results

Multiple linear regression was used to test the hypothesis that chronic stress due to having and knowing others with physical health problems would predict COVID-related worries and behaviours, holding pre-COVID levels of depression, anxiety and worry about health constant. Chronic stress surrounding the health of others was significantly associated with experiencing more severe COVID-related worry and behaviours. In comparison, chronic stress due to one's own health problems had weak and non-significant associations with COVID-related worries and behaviours.

Conclusions

Results indicate that outpatients who report stress about surrounding loved one's health are at risk for experiencing more severe distress during a health pandemic and thus, may benefit from targeted outreach, assessment and intervention.