JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Restrictive measures put in place to mitigate transmission of the coronavirus COVID-19 as it relates to incidences and severity of depression and anxiety. Age and gender have been found to play a significant on individual’s mental health with young adults and females particularly at risk.

Objective:

This study sought to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety and depression upon admissions to treatment.

Methods:

The current study is an observational study in which, the grouping variable split the time interval into five equal groups and assessed over that period of time. 112 young adults (aged 18-25) were recruited for the study. Participants completed assessments online through Qualtrics link.

Results:

Psychometric properties of the admission assessments were uniformly highly statistically significant. There was a significant difference for generalized anxiety between group 1 interval and group 3 interval. No significant difference was noted across the time intervals for depression. Differences were noted to predict the impact of the psychometrics scores on gender. Only the ability to participate and the quality-of-life sub-factor of the FACIT assessment were significant.

Conclusions:

The current study sought to understand the impact that COVID had on young adults seeking mental health services during the pandemic. It was apparent that gender was a significant factor for increased anxiety in young adults seeking mental health services during the pandemic. The findings have critical importance to potential treatment success rate of the clients, while providing an overarching understanding of the impact of the pandemic.