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The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health: The Next Phase

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A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2024) | Viewed by 10496

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Dr. Valeria Carola

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Guest Editor

Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Interests: clinical psychology; neuroscience; substance use disorder; mood disorders; neurobiology; stress; blood biomarkers; psychopathology

Dr. Giampaolo Nicolais

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Interests: clinical psychology; psychological trauma; child psychological health; stress; mental health; methodology of intervention

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a terrible impact not only on patients infected with this virus, but also on health and social workers and on the general population. The psychological impact of this event is significant, and extends well beyond present times, at the same time challenging methodologies of intervention in the mental health field.

One objective of this Special Issue is to analyze the long-term impact of exposure to COVID-19, with a focus on psychopathological outcomes in COVID-infected patients, the social and health workers involved in the care of these patients, and the general population. Another objective of the issue is to describe methodological and clinical aspects of interventions aimed at promoting mental health and reducing the burden of COVID-19 psychological sequelae over time.

Scientific articles illustrating and discussing data on these aspects are welcome.

Dr. Valeria Carola
Dr. Giampaolo Nicolais
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

COVID-19 pandemic
mental health
COVID-19 patients
long-term effects/long COVID-19
psychological outcomes

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neurocognitive Changes in Patients with Post-COVID Depression

by Marina Khodanovich, Anna Naumova, Daria Kamaeva, Victoria Obukhovskaya, Svetlana Vasilieva, Evgeny Schastnyy, Nadezhda Kataeva, Anastasia Levina, Marina Kudabaeva, Valentina Pashkevich, Marina Moshkina, Yana Tumentceva and Mikhail Svetlik

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(5), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13051442 - 01 Mar 2024

Viewed by 611

Abstract

Background: Depression and cognitive impairment are recognized complications of COVID-19. This study aimed to assess cognitive performance in clinically diagnosed post-COVID depression (PCD, n = 25) patients using neuropsychological testing. Methods: The study involved 71 post-COVID patients with matched control groups: recovered COVID-19 individuals without complications (n = 18) and individuals without prior COVID-19 history (n = 19). A post-COVID depression group (PCD, n = 25) was identified based on psychiatric diagnosis, and a comparison group (noPCD, n = 46) included participants with neurological COVID-19 complications, excluding clinical depression. Results: The PCD patients showed gender-dependent significant cognitive impairment in the MoCA, Word Memory Test (WMT), Stroop task (SCWT), and Trail Making Test (TMT) compared to the controls and noPCD patients. Men with PCD showed worse performances on the SCWT, in MoCA attention score, and on the WMT (immediate and delayed word recall), while women with PCD showed a decline in MoCA total score, an increased processing time with less errors on the TMT, and worse immediate recall. No differences between groups in Sniffin’s stick test were found. Conclusions: COVID-related direct (post-COVID symptoms) and depression-mediated (depression itself, male sex, and severity of COVID-19) predictors of decline in memory and information processing speed were identified. Our findings may help to personalize the treatment of depression, taking a patient’s gender and severity of previous COVID-19 disease into account. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health: The Next Phase)

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13 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Qualitative Exploration of Prominent Factors Contributing to the Aetiology of Child and Adolescent Eating Disorder Presentations during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Perspectives of Patients, Parents and Clinicians

by Finán Murray, Sharon Houghton, Fay Murphy, Emma Clancy, Dónal Fortune and Fiona McNicholas

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(2), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13020615 - 22 Jan 2024

Viewed by 884

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the prominent factors that contributed to the development of child and adolescent eating disorder presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was achieved through a qualitative analysis of interviews gathered from (1) adolescent patients diagnosed with an eating disorder (ED) during the COVID-19 pandemic (aged 13–18) (n = 4), (2) parents of patients attending an ED service (n = 7) and (3) clinicians working within a specialist child and adolescent ED support service (n = 7). Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and establish the most prominent aetiological factors reported. Results: The most prominent aetiological factors reported were (1) the accumulation of risk factors; (2) seeking control amid increased anxiety, stress and uncertainty; (3) social isolation; (4) an increased focus on exercise and “healthy eating”; (5) increased social media use promoting unhelpful attention towards ED triggers; and (6) a lack of both awareness and support services. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the quantity and severity of ED presentations increased. The current study uncovered six themes perceived by patients, parents and clinical staff that contributed to the aetiology of ED presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is hoped that the insight gained through this research study into ED aetiology may act as a basis for further research and support ED awareness, prevention and intervention in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health: The Next Phase)

12 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatigue, Depression and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Post-Myocardial Infarction during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from the Augsburg Myocardial Infarction Registry

by Christa Meisinger, Inge Kirchberger, Philip Raake, Jakob Linseisen and Timo Schmitz

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(19), 6349; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12196349 - 03 Oct 2023

Viewed by 676

Abstract

The interplay between fatigue and depression and their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has received little attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study evaluated the frequency of fatigue and depression in post-AMI patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigated the cross-sectional associations between fatigue, depression and HRQoL. Methods: The analysis was based on population-based Myocardial Infarction Registry Augsburg data. All survivors of AMI between 1 June 2020 and 15 September 2021 were included (n = 882) and received a postal questionnaire containing questions about fatigue (Fatigue Assessment Scale), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire), and HRQoL (MacNew Heart Disease HRQoL questionnaire) on 17 November 2021. The questionnaire was returned by 592 patients (67.1%), and 574 participants could be included in the analysis. Multivariable linear regression models were performed to investigate the associations between fatigue and depression (both exposures) and HRQoL (outcome). Results: Altogether, 273 (47.6%) participants met the criteria for the presence of fatigue, about 16% showed signs of moderate to severe depression. Both fatigue and depression were significantly associated with a decreased HRQoL (total score and emotional, social, and physical subscales; all p-values < 0.0001). In particular, a combined occurrence of fatigue and depression was associated with a significantly reduced HRQoL. Conclusions: It seems necessary to screen post-MI patients for the presence of fatigue and depression in clinical practice on a routine basis to provide them with adequate support and treatment and thus also to improve their HRQoL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health: The Next Phase)

13 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anxiety Symptoms, COVID-19-Related Stress Reactions in the Italian General Population, and Validation of the Italian COVID Stress Scales (CSS-I)

by Antonio Del Casale, Martina Nicole Modesti, Carlo Lai, Valeria Carola, Simone Mimun, Alba Bruzzese, Anna Maria Speranza, Dalainey H. Drakes, Gordon J. G. Asmundson and Giampaolo Nicolais

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(17), 5680; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12175680 - 31 Aug 2023

Viewed by 773

Abstract

Background. The COVID Stress Scales (CSS) assess COVID-related stress experienced in the past week related to danger and contamination fears, socioeconomic consequences, xenophobia, compulsive checking, and reassurance seeking, and traumatic stress symptoms. Our objective was to provide a translation into Italian, replication, and psychometric validation of the CSS in the general population. Moreover, we aimed to test the convergent and discriminant validity of the Italian CSS (CSS-I) with respect to anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms in the general Italian population. Method. Adult participants (n = 935) over the age of 18 years were recruited from the general population in Italy. Psychological status was assessed using multiple validated measures, including the CSS, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), and the Prejudice Against Immigrants Scale (PAIS). Results. Our confirmatory factor analysis supported a 6-factor model, including danger fears (DAN), socioeconomic consequences (SEC), xenophobia (XEN), compulsive checking and reassurance seeking (CHE), contamination fears (CON), and traumatic stress symptoms (TSS). Strong reliability of the CSS-I (Cronbach’s α = 0.863–0.936) and convergent validity with the DASS-21 and PAI were established with positive correlations between total and scale scores across measures. Conclusions. The CSS-I is a valid and reliable instrument to measure COVID-19-related distress in the Italian population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health: The Next Phase)

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15 pages, 493 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Sleep, and Psychology of Endurance Athletes—CAESAR Study

by Daniel Śliż, Szczepan Wiecha, Jakub S. Gąsior, Przemysław Seweryn Kasiak, Katarzyna Ulaszewska, Marcin Lewandowski, Marcin Barylski and Artur Mamcarz

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(8), 3002; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12083002 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2306

Abstract

COVID-19 has a deteriorating impact on health which is especially important for endurance athletes (EAs) who need to maintain continuity of training. The illness affects sleep and psychology, which influence sport performance. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess the consequences of mild COVID-19 on sleep and psychology and (2) to assess the consequences of mild COVID-19 on cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) results. A total of 49 EAs (males = 43, 87.76%; females = 6, 12.24%; age = 39.9 ± 7.8 years; height = 178.4 ± 6.8 cm; weight = 76.3 ± 10.4 kg; BMI = 24.0 ± 2.6 kg·m⁻²) underwent a maximal cycling or running CPET pre- and post-COVID-19 and completed an original survey. Exercise performance deteriorated after COVID-19 (maximal oxygen uptake, VO_2max = 47.81 ± 7.81 vs. 44.97 ± 7.00 mL·kg·min⁻¹ pre- and post-infection, respectively; p < 0.001). Waking up at night affected the heart rate (HR) at the respiratory compensation point (RCP) (p = 0.028). Sleep time influenced pulmonary ventilation (p = 0.013), breathing frequency (p = 0.010), and blood lactate concentration (Lac) (p = 0.013) at the RCP. The maximal power/speed (p = 0.046) and HR (p = 0.070) were linked to the quality of sleep. Stress management and relaxation techniques were linked with VO_2max (p = 0.046), maximal power/speed (p = 0.033), and maximal Lac (p = 0.045). Cardiorespiratory fitness deteriorated after mild COVID-19 and was correlated with sleep and psychological indices. Medical professionals should encourage EAs to maintain proper mental health and sleep after COVID-19 infection to facilitate recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health: The Next Phase)

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12 pages, 698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study on the Level of Depression and Physical Activity among Students in Poland and Portugal in the Second Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Anna Zalewska, Monika Gałczyk, Marek Sobolewski and Hélder Fernandes

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(7), 2541; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12072541 - 28 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1783

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to make a preliminary assessment of depression rates and levels of physical activity and the association between physical activity and depression among Polish and Portuguese students in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based online survey was conducted among students in Poland and Portugal (398 respondents—229 from Poland and 169 from Portugal) aged between 17 and 26 in October 2022. The level of depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in Polish and in Portuguese. The level of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in Polish and in Portuguese. Results: Overall, 20–35% of respondents suffered from moderate depression, with a lower proportion among men. There were no differences in the percentage distribution of depression classification between Polish and Portuguese students. A decrease in the severity of depression was observed with increasing physical activity. In both countries, walking more often had the strongest effect on reducing depression scores. Conclusions: The continued and alarming prevalence of depressive disorders among university students in the year after the pandemic began had a significant impact on this population—further research on the impact of physical activity on mental health in different populations should be conducted to adjust the optimal level of physical activity for alleviating negative psychiatric symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health: The Next Phase)

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16 pages, 5017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Accelerated Cognitive Decline in Elderly Patients with Pre-Existing Dementia Followed up in an Outpatient Memory Care Facility

by Lucia Merla, Maria Cristina Montesi, Jessica Ticali, Bruno Bais, Alessandro Cavarape and GianLuca Colussi

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(5), 1845; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12051845 - 25 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2658

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may affect the cognitive function and activities of daily living (ADL) of elderly patients. This study aimed to establish the COVID-19 effect on cognitive decline and the velocity of cognitive function and ADL changes in elderly patients with dementia followed up in an outpatient memory care facility. Methods: In total, 111 consecutive patients (age 82 ± 5 years, 32% males) with a baseline visit before infection were divided into those who had or did not have COVID-19. Cognitive decline was defined as a five-point loss of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and ADL comprising basic and instrumental ADL indexes (BADL and IADL, respectively). COVID-19 effect on cognitive decline was weighted for confounding variables by the propensity score, whereas the effect on change in the MMSE score and ADL indexes was analyzed using multivariate mixed-effect linear regression. Results: COVID-19 occurred in 31 patients and a cognitive decline in 44. Cognitive decline was about three and a half times more frequent in patients who had COVID-19 (weighted hazard ratio 3.56, 95% confidence interval 1.50–8.59, p = 0.004). The MMSE score lowered on average by 1.7 points/year, independently of COVID-19, but it lowered twice faster in those who had COVID-19 (3.3 vs. 1.7 points/year, respectively, p < 0.050). BADL and IADL indexes lowered on average less than 1 point/year, independently of COVID-19 occurrence. Patients who had COVID-19 had a higher incidence of new institutionalization than those who did not have the disease (45% versus 20%, p = 0.016, respectively). Conclusions: COVID-19 had a significant impact on cognitive decline and accelerated MMSE reduction in elderly patients with dementia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health: The Next Phase)

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