Psychological distress during the COVID-19 lockdown: The young adults most at risk. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Glowacz, F.; Schmits, E.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 293(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Lockdown covid 19 -- Uncertainty -- Mental health -- Alcohol use -- Young adults; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113486
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: Intolerance to uncertainty explained anxiety and depression related to COVID-19 lockdown in the whole population. Young people are more sensitive to lockdown conditions and psychological distress. During confinement, young people have drunk alcohol less often and in smaller quantities. Deconfinement strategies must be accompanied by preventive recommendations. Abstract: To control the COVID-19 pandemic, governments have implemented restrictions. This study evaluates psychological distress related to the crisis and identifies predictive factors of anxiety/depression according to age. 2, 871 adults were recruited through an online questionnaire during the lockdown. Three subsamples were identified: 18–30; 30–50; > 50 years. The population suffers from anxiety and depression. Young adults adu reported lower levels of living space, occupational activity, social contact and alcohol use, but higher anxiety, depression and uncertainty than older participants. This psychological distress can be explained by lockdown conditions (differently according to age) and by intolerance to uncertainty. Also, youth's alcohol intake has decreased. Deconfinement strategies have been discussed.