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Rafferty C, O'Donnell A, Campbell S, Sun B, King J, Ali Z, Lynch D, Barrett E, Richardson S, Clifford M, McNicholas F. Eating disorders and COVID-19 - different or just more? Ir J Med Sci 2024; 193:1939-1944. [PMID: 38492150 PMCID: PMC11294367 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-024-03649-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 saw an increase in child mental health presentations internationally. Clinicians analogised the exponential increase in anorexia nervosa to a 'tsunami' or 'outbreak', raising parallel concerns regarding medical and psychological risks (Marsh in The Guardian, 2021; Leask in NZ Herald, 2021; Monteleone et al. in Eat Weight Disord 26(8):2443-2452, 2021) . It is unclear whether Ireland emulated this picture of increased referrals with increased medical compromise. AIMS This paper examines both rates and clinical profiles of child eating disorder presentations in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), across different clinical settings. METHODS Following ethical approval, retrospective chart reviews were conducted in a community eating disorder service and in two paediatric hospital settings. The time frame of the different studies ranged from January 2016 to December 2022. RESULTS Community eating disorder services saw significantly higher referral rates post COVID-19 (3.78/month vs. 2.31/month, p = 0.02), with a shorter duration of illness (4.8 months vs. 7.4 months, p = 0.001), but no significant difference in ideal body weight % (IBW%) at referral (85.32% vs. 83.7%, p = 0.1). Both paediatric hospitals witnessed significantly increased referrals post-COVID-19 (hospital 1; 4.38/month vs. 1.93/month, p = 0.0001; hospital 2; 2.8/month vs. 0.92/month, p < 0.0001), but no significant difference in IBW% at assessment (hospital 1; 82.7% vs. 81.39%, p = 0.673; hospital 2; 81.5% vs. 83%, p = 0.563). There was no significant difference in clinical profile, management, or duration of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the growing consensus of a pandemic specific increase in eating disorder referrals to both medical and psychiatry services. However, there was little to indicate a change in clinical profile or severity. Ongoing monitoring of referrals is necessary to ensure adequate service availability and expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathal Rafferty
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | | | - Sally Campbell
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bohan Sun
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jenny King
- Department of Paediatric Liaison Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Ireland, Crumlin Dublin 12, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zeinab Ali
- Department of Paediatric Liaison Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Ireland, Crumlin Dublin 12, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Diarmuid Lynch
- Department of Paediatric Liaison Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Ireland, Crumlin Dublin 12, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth Barrett
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Paediatric Liaison Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Ireland, Temple St. Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah Richardson
- Department of Paediatric Liaison Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Ireland, Crumlin Dublin 12, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Fiona McNicholas
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Paediatric Liaison Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Ireland, Crumlin Dublin 12, Dublin, Ireland
- Lucena CAMHS, SJOG, Rathgar Dublin 6, Dublin, Ireland
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Badinlou F, Rahimian F, Hedman-Lagerlöf M, Lundgren T, Abzhandadze T, Jansson-Fröjmark M. Trajectories of mental health outcomes following COVID-19 infection: a prospective longitudinal study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:452. [PMID: 38350959 PMCID: PMC10863235 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17997-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a global mental health crisis. Yet, we know little about the lasting effects of COVID-19 infection on mental health. This prospective longitudinal study aimed to investigate the trajectories of mental health changes in individuals infected with COVID-19 and to identify potential predictors that may influence these changes. METHODS A web-survey that targeted individuals that had been infected with COVID-19 was used at three time-points: T0 (baseline), T1 (six months), and T2 (twelve months). The survey included demographics, questions related to COVID-19 status, previous psychiatric diagnosis, post-COVID impairments, fatigue, and standardized measures of depression, anxiety, insomnia. Linear mixed models were used to examine changes in depression, anxiety, and insomnia over time and identify factors that impacted trajectories of mental health outcomes. RESULTS A total of 236 individuals completed assessments and was included in the longitudinal sample. The participants' age ranged between 19 and 81 years old (M = 48.71, SD = 10.74). The results revealed notable changes in mental health outcomes over time. The trajectory of depression showed significant improvement over time while the trends in anxiety and insomnia did not exhibit significant changes over time. Younger participants and individuals who experienced severe COVID-19 infection in the acute phase were identified as high-risk groups with worst mental ill-health. The main predictors of the changes in the mental health outcomes were fatigue and post-COVID impairments. CONCLUSIONS The findings of our study suggest that mental health outcomes following COVID-19 infection exhibit a dynamic pattern over time. The study provides valuable insights into the mental health trajectory following COVID-19 infection, emphasizing the need for ongoing assessment, support, and interventions tailored to the evolving mental health needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Badinlou
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Medical Unit, Medical Psychology, Women's Health and Allied Health Professional Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Fatemeh Rahimian
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Department of Computer Science, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tobias Lundgren
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tamar Abzhandadze
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Markus Jansson-Fröjmark
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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Fotinos K, Sansone A, Greifenberger A, Katzman MA, Jannini TB, Reisman Y, Limoncin E, Jannini EA. Pornography and sexual function in the post-pandemic period: a narrative review from psychological, psychiatric, and sexological perspectives. Int J Impot Res 2024:10.1038/s41443-023-00812-3. [PMID: 38184709 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00812-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns had significant impacts on sexual functioning and behavior. Partnered sexual activity decreased overall, while solo sex activities such as masturbation and pornography consumption increased exponentially. Given the ongoing debate about the effects of pornography on sexual function, it was prudent to consider how the increase in porn consumption during the pandemic might have impacted sexual function in the post-pandemic period. Results indicated that despite the increased rates of use during lockdowns, there remains no evidence supporting the relationship between sexual dysfunction and porn use during and following the pandemic period. On the contrary, pornography consumption and solo sex activities offered an alternative to conventional sexual behavior during a highly stressful period and were found to have positive effects of relieving psychosocial stress otherwise induced by the pandemic. Specifically, those who maintained an active sexual life experienced less anxiety and depression, and greater relational health than those who were not sexually active. It is important to consider factors including frequency, context, and type of consumption when analyzing the impact of pornography on sexual function. While excessive use can have negative effects, moderate use can be a natural and healthy part of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Fotinos
- Course of Clinical Psychosexology, Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Stress Trauma Anxiety Rehabilitation Treatment (S.T.A.R.T.) Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Sansone
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alexandria Greifenberger
- Stress Trauma Anxiety Rehabilitation Treatment (S.T.A.R.T.) Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Martin A Katzman
- Stress Trauma Anxiety Rehabilitation Treatment (S.T.A.R.T.) Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Adler Graduate Professional School, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Tommaso B Jannini
- School of Psychiatry, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Erika Limoncin
- Course of Clinical Psychosexology, Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emmanuele A Jannini
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Badinlou F, Lundgren T, Jansson-Fröjmark M. Mental health outcomes following COVID-19 infection: impacts of post-COVID impairments and fatigue on depression, anxiety, and insomnia - a web survey in Sweden. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:743. [PMID: 36447183 PMCID: PMC9708120 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04405-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health is now clearly established. However, information on the levels of mental ill health of people infected with COVID-19 and potential correlates of poor mental health is still limited. Therefore, the current study aimed to study indicative of potential mental health problems in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection/infections and address the impacts of post-COVID impairments and fatigue following COVID-19 infection/infections on depression, anxiety, and insomnia. METHODS A web-survey including demographics, questions related to COVID-19 status and post-COVID impairments, and standardized measures of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue was completed by 507 individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection/infections. RESULTS We found significant rates of significant depression, anxiety, and insomnia in our sample, with more than 70% experiencing levels above the clinical cut offs for at least one psychological health problems. Higher levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia were associated with the severity of COVID-19 infection in the acute phase, hospitalization because of COVID-19, and higher levels of post-COVID impairments and fatigue. Reduced motivation emerged as the strongest predictor for mental ill health. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight that individuals infected with COVID-19, especially those who still have experienced post-COVID impairments, are more likely to suffer from mental ill-health and may be more vulnerable for poor mental health outcomes. Therefore, more effective actions are needed to take in order to promote and protect mental health of individuals with a history of COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Badinlou
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region of Stockholm, Norra Stationsgatan 69, 113 64, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Tobias Lundgren
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region of Stockholm, Norra Stationsgatan 69, 113 64, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Markus Jansson-Fröjmark
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region of Stockholm, Norra Stationsgatan 69, 113 64, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kim S, Hernández-Díaz S, Zhu Y, Wyszynski D, Huybrechts KF. Association between SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms: finding from the International Registry of Coronavirus Exposure in Pregnancy (IRCEP) study. Arch Womens Ment Health 2022; 25:1105-1118. [PMID: 36301380 PMCID: PMC9610338 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-022-01274-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
While there has been concern over the perinatal mental health implications of the COVID-19 outbreak, evidence on the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety following SARS-CoV-2 infection is limited. We studied this question using the International Registry of Coronavirus Exposure in Pregnancy, which included both a prospective and retrospective cohort. Study participants were required to have been tested for SARS-CoV-2 between the date of last menstrual period and delivery. The exposure of interest was SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, as well as COVID-19 severity (severe, moderate, mild, and asymptomatic). The outcome was postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms, assessed by the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire. The final analytic cohort consisted of 3819 participants (COVID-19 positive: 771; COVID-19 negative: 3048). After adjusting for confounding by socio-demographics, prior obstetric and maternal health comorbidities, mothers with severe COVID-19 had an increased risk of depressive (aRR: 1.72; 95%CI: 1.18-2.52) and anxiety (aRR: 1.40; 0.98-2.00) symptoms. The strength of the association was attenuated for women with moderate COVID-19 (aRR = 1.12; 0.86-1.44 for depressive symptoms; aRR = 1.18; 0.96-1.44 for anxiety symptoms). No increased risk was observed for mild or asymptomatic illness. The findings can inform targeted interventions to minimize the risk of adverse COVID-19-related mental health outcomes for pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Kim
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Sonia Hernández-Díaz
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Yanmin Zhu
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | | | - Krista F. Huybrechts
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 USA ,Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
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Allostatic load and mental health during COVID-19: The moderating role of neuroticism. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 16:100311. [PMID: 34514440 PMCID: PMC8419239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic increased risk of poor mental health has been evident across different cultures and contexts. This study aims to examine whether allostatic load (AL) prior to the pandemic was predictive of poor mental health during the pandemic, and if any associations were moderated by neuroticism. Methods Data were extracted from Waves 2 (2011, allostatic load), 3 (2012, neuroticism), and the COVID-19 study (April 2020) of the Understanding Society database in the UK; data were available for 956 participants. Results Mental health increased from 2012- to during the pandemic. Neuroticism and AL were positively associated with poorer mental health during COVID-19, such that those who had scored higher on neuroticism and had higher AL prior to the pandemic reported poorer mental health during the pandemic. Neuroticism was also a significant moderator; the effect of AL on mental health during the pandemic was exacerbated in those with high and moderate levels of neuroticism but not lower. Moreover, this was driven by the immune-related indices of AL. This withstood adjustment for age, gender, employment status and prior mental health. These findings are discussed in relation to the pathophysiological mechanisms of mental health.
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