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Guidotti S, Fiduccia A, Pruneti C. Introversion, Alexithymia, and Hostility: A Path Analysis From Personality to Suicidal Ideation Among University Students. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241247526. [PMID: 38623941 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241247526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between state (i.e., hostility) and trait (i.e., social detachment, alexithymia) psychological constructs associated with suicidal ideation among university students. METHODS A group of 190 university students was consecutively recruited in the period between September 2022 and March 2023. After a clinical interview, a series of psychological tests were administered: the Cattell's 16-Personality Factors Questionnaire (16PF), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), and the anamnestic form of the Cognitive Behavioral Assessment (CBA2.0), which contains a specific question regarding the suicidal ideation. RESULTS The analyses demonstrated that alexithymia fully mediated the relationship between a particular aspect of introversion (social detachment or low warmth) and hostility which, in turn, seemed to be a significant predictor of suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS The path analysis conducted seemed to highlight the importance of personality traits, such as social detachment and the ability to recognize and express one's internal states, on the mental health of university students in terms of hostility and suicidal ideation. Considering that the reduction of suicide mortality has been prioritized as a global target in the 15-19 age group, identifying the psychological factors associated with it is fundamental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Guidotti
- Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychophysiology, and Clinical Neuropsychology Labs, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alice Fiduccia
- Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychophysiology, and Clinical Neuropsychology Labs, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Pruneti
- Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychophysiology, and Clinical Neuropsychology Labs, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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2
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Schulder T, Rudenstine S, Ettman CK, Galea S. Correlates of long-COVID-19: the role of demographics, chronic illness, and psychiatric diagnosis in an urban sample. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:1831-1843. [PMID: 36752386 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2177684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Long-COVID-19 symptoms are an emerging public health issue. This study sought to investigate demographics, chronic illness, and probable psychiatric diagnoses as correlates for long-COVID-19 in an urban adult sample. Self-report Qualtrics surveys were sent to students across City University of New York (CUNY) campuses in New York City in Winter 2021-2022. Binary logistic regressions were used to assess the relation of a range of factors with endorsement of long-COVID-19. Results demonstrated that Latinx participants endorsed higher odds of long-COVID-19, as compared to non-Latinx white participants. Participants who endorsed having a prior chronic illness and those who met the cut-off for probable psychiatric diagnoses all endorsed higher odds of long-COVID-19. Long-COVID-19 may be more likely among specific subpopulations and among persons with other ongoing physical and mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia Schulder
- Department of Psychology, City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sasha Rudenstine
- Department of Psychology, City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Sandro Galea
- Department of Psychology, City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
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3
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Rath AA, Lau EH, Schooling CM. The impact of the minimum wage on suicide rates in Hong Kong. Soc Sci Med 2022; 314:115236. [PMID: 36308889 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Increases in minimum wages have been associated with reductions in suicide rates in the United States, but little evidence is available for Asia where social and contextual factors, as well as drivers of suicide, may be different. We investigated the impact of the introduction of the minimum wage in Hong Kong in May 2011 on suicide rates using an interrupted time series design for the period January 2006 to December 2016. We investigated both immediate and gradual changes in monthly suicide rates after the introduction of the minimum wage taking into account secular trends. We conducted stratified analyses by age and gender. In total 9396 suicides were recorded in Hong Kong during the 11-year study period. Introduction of the minimum wage was associated with an immediate decrease of 13.0% in the monthly suicide rate (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.4%-19.9%, P = 0.001). There was an immediate decrease of 15.8% in older working aged (25-64 years) men (95% CI: 4.2%-25.9%, P = 0.009). Point estimates of immediate effect for other subgroups were also in a negative direction, but were not statistically significant. There was no evidence of a gradual effect on suicide rates at the population level or by subgroup other than a small increase in younger working aged men. We estimate that 633 suicides were prevented by the minimum wage legislation for the period from May 2011 to December 2016, the majority in older working aged men. Our results provide new evidence that, similar to findings in Western settings, minimum wages may help to reduce suicide in Asia, particularly for working age men. Our study highlights the importance of examining the health impacts of government economic policy and suggests minimum wages may provide policy makers with an upstream population-based strategy to reduce suicide rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail A Rath
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (AAR, EHYL and CMS), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, United States.
| | - Eric Hy Lau
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (AAR, EHYL and CMS), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, United States
| | - C Mary Schooling
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (AAR, EHYL and CMS), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, United States
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Nigatu YT, Elton-Marshall T, Hamilton HA. Changes in household debt due to COVID-19 and mental health concerns among adults in Ontario, Canada. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 69:774-783. [PMID: 36373945 PMCID: PMC9666416 DOI: 10.1177/00207640221136795] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canadian households experienced unexpected changes in their economic well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent of the impact of the pandemic on household debt and its effect on health and mental health remains unknown. AIM The aim of the study was to examine the associations of change in household debt due to COVID-19 with serious psychological distress (SPD) and general health measures. METHODS Data were from the 2020 Monitor study, a repeated cross-sectional survey of adults 18 years and older in Ontario, Canada. The 2020 cycle employed a web-based panel survey of 3,033 adults. The survey included measures of change in household debt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mental and general health. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated from logistic regression models accounting for sociodemographic factors. RESULTS Overall, 17.5% of respondents reported that their household debt increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Such an increase in household debt was significantly associated with SPD (OR = 2.92, 95% CI, 2.05-4.16), fair/poor mental health (OR = 2.02, 95% CI, 1.59-2.56), frequent mental distress days (OR = 1.80, 95% CI, 1.31-2.48), fair/poor general health (OR = 1.93, 95% CI, 1.47-2.52), and suicidal ideation (OR = 3.71, 95% CI, 2.41-5.70) after adjusting for potential confounders including education, income and employment. CONCLUSIONS Household debt during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important determinant of health. Individuals who reported an increase in household debt due to COVID-19 were more likely to report serious mental health concerns including suicidal ideation. This suggests that debt-related interventions may be needed to alleviate the adverse effects of indebtedness on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeshambel T Nigatu
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tara Elton-Marshall
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Hayley A Hamilton
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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5
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Rudenstine S, Schulder T, Bhatt KJ, McNeal K, Ettman CK, Galea S. Long-COVID and comorbid depression and anxiety two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychiatry Res 2022; 317:114924. [PMID: 37732865 PMCID: PMC9597528 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Long-COVID, or the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms for months after initial infection, has been shown to impact the lives of those affected. The current study sought to investigate the relationships between long-COVID, COVID-19 related stress, depression, anxiety, and comorbid depression and anxiety outcomes. Data were collected in Winter 2021-2022 from a population of adults enrolled in at least one course across multiple City University of New York (CUNY) campuses. Frequencies and chi-square tests were computed to assess for demographics and relationships to probable diagnoses of depression and anxiety, and binary logistic regressions were computed to assess for the odds of probable comorbid depression and anxiety based on demographics, stressors, and long-COVID. Women participants reported higher odds of probable depression outcomes, and stressor levels were significant correlates of probable anxiety outcomes. Women participants, 3.2 [1.5-6.9], as compared to men, lower-SES participants, 2.16 [1.1-4.2], as compared to higher-SES participants, participants with higher COVID-19 related stress levels, 4.8 [2.0-12.0], as compared to those with low levels, and participants with long-COVID, 3.7 [1.9-7.0], as compared to those without, all had higher odds of probable comorbid depression and anxiety. Findings highlight the importance of social location, stress, and long-COVID, in tandem, as correlates of psychological health during the shifting pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Rudenstine
- Department of Psychology, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue NAC 8/122B, New York, NY 10031, United States.
| | - Talia Schulder
- Department of Psychology, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue NAC 8/122B, New York, NY 10031, United States.
| | - Krish J Bhatt
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Kat McNeal
- Department of Psychology, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue NAC 8/122B, New York, NY 10031, United States
| | - Catherine K Ettman
- School of Public Health, Boston University, 715 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Sandro Galea
- School of Public Health, Boston University, 715 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118, United States
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Smith CJ, Renshaw P, Yurgelun-Todd D, Sheth C. Acute and chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms in novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients: A qualitative review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:772335. [PMID: 36033820 PMCID: PMC9404694 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.772335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11th, 2020. It has had unprecedented adverse effects on healthcare systems, economies, and societies globally. SARS-CoV-2 is not only a threat to physical health but has also been shown to have a severe impact on neuropsychiatric health. Many studies and case reports across countries have demonstrated insomnia, depressed mood, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and cognitive change in COVID-19 patients during the acute phase of the infection, as well as in apparently recovered COVID-19 patients. The goal of this narrative review is to synthesize and summarize the emerging literature detailing the neuropsychiatric manifestations of COVID-19 with special emphasis on the long-term implications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calen J. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Diagnostic Neuroimaging, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Perry Renshaw
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Diagnostic Neuroimaging, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA VISN 19 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Deborah Yurgelun-Todd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Diagnostic Neuroimaging, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA VISN 19 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Chandni Sheth
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Diagnostic Neuroimaging, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Park J, Choi J, Kim B. COVID-19 pandemic and mental health problems of adults in United States: mediating roles of cognitive concerns and behavioral changes. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:1557-1570. [PMID: 35348799 PMCID: PMC8961082 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02265-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined the associations of statewide COVID-19 conditions (i.e., state-level case and death rates) with individual-level Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depression Disorder (MDD) focusing on the salient mediating roles of individual-level cognitive concerns and behavioral changes. METHODS Using a national representative sample of adults in the United States (n = 585,073), we fitted logistic regressions to examine the overall associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and GAD/MDD. We employed a causal mediation analysis with two mediators: cognitive concerns (i.e., concerns on going to the public, loss of income, food insufficiency, housing payment, and the economy) and behavioral changes (i.e., taking fewer trips, avoiding eating-out, more online-purchase, more curbside pick-up, and cancelling doctor's appointments). RESULTS We found relationships of statewide COVID-19 cases with GAD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05, 1.07) and MDD (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.09). The ORs were mediated by cognitive concerns for GAD (OR = 1.02, proportion mediated: 29%) and MDD (OR = 1.01, 17%). Another salient mediator was behavioral changes for GAD (OR = 1.02, 31%) and MDD (OR = 1.01, 15%). Similar associations were found with statewide COVID-19 death. CONCLUSIONS Our mediation analyses suggest that cognitive concerns and behavioral changes are important mediators of the relationships between statewide COVID-19 case/death rates and GAD/MDD. COVID-19 pandemic may involve individual-level concerns and behavior changes, and such experiences are likely to affect mental health outcomes. Public health approaches to alleviate adverse mental health consequences should take into account the mediating factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- JungHo Park
- SURE Education Research Group, Department of Smart City, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis, Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Jin Choi
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY USA
| | - Byoungjun Kim
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave 5th Floor, New York, NY 10010 USA
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Prados-Ojeda JL, Gordillo-Urbano RM, Carrillo-Pérez T, Vázquez-Calvo A, Herrera-Cortés MA, Carreño-Ruiz MÁ, Font-Ugalde P. Suicide Presentations to an Emergency Department Pre and During the COVID Lockdown, March-May 2020, in Spain. Arch Suicide Res 2022; 26:1336-1348. [PMID: 33631086 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2021.1887023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown may affect suicide risk and behavior. We compared suicide-related presentations during the national quarantine with pre-COVID data. This observational incidence study compared all suicide-related presentations at the University Hospital Reina Sofia emergency department (ED) in Cordoba, Spain, for the lockdown period from 15 March to 15 May 2020, with the same period in 2019. Descriptive and inferential analyses of case characteristics between 2019 and 2020 periods were conducted, and a multivariable logistic regression model developed. Results: Despite a decrease in overall ED cases during the lockdown, the number of suicide-related presentations stayed the same and represented a significantly larger proportion of cases in comparison to the pre-COVID period (0.42 vs. 0.87%, in 2019 and 2020, respectively; p < .001). The number presenting alone more than doubled during the COVID lockdown, increasing to 42.9% compared with 19.4% in 2019 (p = .002). An increase in presentations with a family history of suicide was also found. Conclusions: Suicide cases represented an increased proportion of ED cases during the lockdown. Presenting to ED alone, having a family history of suicide, habitual drug consumption, and hospital admission to ICU differentiated cases between pre and during COVID periods. These findings should be considered in light of the second wave and further implementation of lockdown measures.
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Barberis N, Cannavò M, Cuzzocrea F, Verrastro V. Suicidal Behaviours During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Review. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2022; 19:84-96. [PMID: 35601250 PMCID: PMC9112993 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20220202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Objective Novel COVID-19 disease has become a major concern worldwide, and a recent line of research warned that the context of the COVID-19 pandemic may be a major risk factor for developing severe suicidal behaviors. A broad systematic review is needed to cover the studies that have already assessed the potential underlying factors for suicidal behaviors in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. Method A total of 52 studies met the inclusion criteria, and data were then described according to the subsequent categories: (1) countries where the studies were carried out; (2) factors impacting suicidal behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak; and (3) examination of the observed populations. Results Findings of the current systematic review suggest that there is a certain amount of heterogeneity in factors impacting suicidal behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak, with economic downturn, psychiatric vulnerability, isolation and quarantine, health concerns, and relational difficulties being the most prominent reasons for developing suicidal behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusions Timely interventions are needed to prevent suicidal behaviors in both the clinical and general populations, and in this regard, the creation of standard procedures may speed up the process.
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Rudenstine S, Schulder T, Bhatt KJ, McNeal K, Ettman CK, Galea S. Suicidal ideation during COVID-19: The contribution of unique and cumulative stressors. Psychiatry Res 2022; 310:114475. [PMID: 35219267 PMCID: PMC8858638 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The link between large-scale disasters and population-level risk of suicide remains unclear. The present study sought to investigate suicidal ideation (SI) in relation to COVID-19 related stress, including material and social stress, in a predominantly low-SES ethno-racially diverse sample in New York City during a peak in COVID-19 cases in April 2020. Using binary logistic regressions of data collected with self-report surveys, we found that individuals who identified as Asian, as well as those with high total, material, and social stress levels, and persons without access to primary care providers had significantly higher adjusted odds of SI. These results indicate the specific burden faced by Asian participants due to increases in targeted racism, the importance of cumulative stress and specific stressor type, as well as the role of healthcare access on SI during the pandemic. Such findings suggest the need for specific interventions that target individuals who may be at higher risk of suicide after large-scale traumatic events and during the ongoing pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Rudenstine
- Department of Psychology, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031.
| | - Talia Schulder
- Department of Psychology, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031
| | - Krish J. Bhatt
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722W 168th St, New York, NY 10032
| | - Kat McNeal
- Department of Psychology, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031
| | | | - Sandro Galea
- School of Public Health, Boston University, 715 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118
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11
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Gelezelyte O, Dragan M, Grajewski P, Kvedaraite M, Lotzin A, Skrodzka M, Nomeikaite A, Kazlauskas E. Factors Associated With Suicide Ideation in Lithuania and Poland Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. CRISIS 2021; 43:460-467. [PMID: 34463543 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on many risk and protective factors associated with suicide. Aims: The aim of this study was to identify pandemic-related factors associated with suicidal ideation in the two European countries, Lithuania and Poland, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: The sample comprised 2,459 participants in both countries; 57.2% of the respondents were female. The Mage of the participants was 43.45 years (SD = 15.91). Pandemic-related stressors and adjustment problems were measured to assess associations with suicidal ideation. Results: High levels of adjustment problems, loneliness, and burden due to staying at home more during the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly associated with suicide ideation in both Lithuania and Poland. Limitations: This was a cross-sectional online study with different recruitment approaches in the two countries. Conclusion: Adjustment problems, loneliness, and stressors related to staying at home more could be important targets for suicide prevention amid the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odeta Gelezelyte
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | | | | | - Monika Kvedaraite
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Annett Lotzin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Auguste Nomeikaite
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Evaldas Kazlauskas
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Lithuania
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12
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Tsai AC, Harling G, Reynolds Z, Gilbert RF, Siedner MJ. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Transmission in the United States Before Versus After Relaxation of Statewide Social Distancing Measures. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:S120-S126. [PMID: 33009800 PMCID: PMC7797755 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weeks after issuing social distancing orders to suppress severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission and reduce growth in cases of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), all US states and the District of Columbia partially or fully relaxed these measures. METHODS We identified all statewide social distancing measures that were implemented and/or relaxed in the United States between 10 March and 15 July 2020, triangulating data from state government and third-party sources. Using segmented linear regression, we estimated the extent to which relaxation of social distancing affected epidemic control, as indicated by the time-varying, state-specific effective reproduction number (Rt). RESULTS In the 8 weeks prior to relaxation, mean Rt declined by 0.012 units per day (95% confidence interval [CI], -.013 to -.012), and 46/51 jurisdictions achieved Rt < 1.0 by the date of relaxation. After relaxation of social distancing, Rt reversed course and began increasing by 0.007 units per day (95% CI, .006-.007), reaching a mean Rt of 1.16. Eight weeks later, the mean Rt was 1.16 and only 9/51 jurisdictions were maintaining an Rt < 1.0. Parallel models showed similar reversals in the growth of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Indicators often used to motivate relaxation at the time of relaxation (eg, test positivity rate <5%) predicted greater postrelaxation epidemic growth. CONCLUSIONS We detected an immediate and significant reversal in SARS-CoV-2 epidemic suppression after relaxation of social distancing measures across the United States. Premature relaxation of social distancing measures undermined the country's ability to control the disease burden associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Tsai
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Policy Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Guy Harling
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Zahra Reynolds
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca F Gilbert
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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13
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Elbogen EB, Lanier M, Blakey SM, Wagner HR, Tsai J. Suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of COVID-19-related stress, social isolation, and financial strain. Depress Anxiety 2021; 38:739-748. [PMID: 33949747 PMCID: PMC8239640 DOI: 10.1002/da.23162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are significant concerns about mental health problems occurring due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To date, there has been limited empirical investigation about thoughts of suicide and self-harm during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A national survey was conducted May 2020 to investigate the association between mental health symptoms, social isolation, and financial stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic and thoughts of suicide and self-harm. A total of 6607 US adults completed an online survey; survey criteria included an age minimum of 22 years old and reported annual gross income of $75,000 or below. Statistical raking procedures were conducted to more precisely weight the sample using US Census data on age, geographic region, sex, race, and ethnicity. RESULTS COVID-19-related stress symptoms, loneliness, and financial strain were associated with thoughts of suicide/self-harm in multivariable logistic regression analyses, as were younger age, being a military veteran, past homelessness, lifetime severe mental illness, current depressive symptoms, alcohol misuse, and having tested positive for COVID-19. Greater social support was inversely related to thoughts of suicide/self-harm whereas running out of money for basic needs (e.g., food), housing instability (e.g., delaying rent), and filing for unemployment or disability were positively related. CONCLUSIONS Public health interventions to decrease risk of suicide and self-harm in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic should address pandemic-related stress, social isolation, and financial strain experienced including food insecurity, job loss, and risk of eviction/homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric B. Elbogen
- Department of Veterans AffairsNational Center on Homelessness Among VeteransTampaFloridaUSA
- VISN 6 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC)Durham VA Health Care SystemDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Megan Lanier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Shannon M. Blakey
- VISN 6 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC)Durham VA Health Care SystemDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Mental and Behavioral Health ServicesDurham VA Health Care SystemDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - H. Ryan Wagner
- VISN 6 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC)Durham VA Health Care SystemDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jack Tsai
- Department of Veterans AffairsNational Center on Homelessness Among VeteransTampaFloridaUSA
- School of Public HealthUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonSan AntonioTexasUSA
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14
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Monteith S, Bauer M, Alda M, Geddes J, Whybrow PC, Glenn T. Increasing Cybercrime Since the Pandemic: Concerns for Psychiatry. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:18. [PMID: 33660091 PMCID: PMC7927777 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01228-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Since the pandemic, the daily activities of many people occur at home. People connect to the Internet for work, school, shopping, entertainment, and doctor visits, including psychiatrists. Concurrently, cybercrime has surged worldwide. This narrative review examines the changing use of technology, societal impacts of the pandemic, how cybercrime is evolving, individual vulnerabilities to cybercrime, and special concerns for those with mental illness. RECENT FINDINGS Human factors are a central component of cybersecurity as individual behaviors, personality traits, online activities, and attitudes to technology impact vulnerability. Mental illness may increase vulnerability to cybercrime. The risks of cybercrime should be recognized as victims experience long-term psychological and financial consequences. Patients with mental illness may not be aware of the dangers of cybercrime, of risky online behaviors, or the measures to mitigate risk. Technology provides powerful tools for psychiatry but technology must be used with the appropriate safety measures. Psychiatrists should be aware of the potential aftermath of cybercrime on mental health, and the increased patient risk since the pandemic, including from online mental health services. As a first step to increase patient awareness of cybercrime, psychiatrists should provide a recommended list of trusted sources that educate consumers on cybersecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Monteith
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Traverse City Campus, 1400 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI, 49684, USA.
| | - Michael Bauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Medical Faculty, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Alda
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - John Geddes
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter C Whybrow
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tasha Glenn
- ChronoRecord Association, Fullerton, CA, USA
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15
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Elbogen EB, Lanier M, Montgomery AE, Strickland S, Wagner HR, Tsai J. Elbogen et al. Respond to "Stressors and Suicide Attempts in a Time of COVID-19". Am J Epidemiol 2020; 189:1278-1279. [PMID: 32696034 PMCID: PMC7454300 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwaa149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eric B Elbogen
- Veterans Health Administration, National Center on Homelessness among Veterans, Tampa, FL
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
- Correspondence to Eric Elbogen, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705 ()
| | - Megan Lanier
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Ann Elizabeth Montgomery
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL
| | - Susan Strickland
- Veterans Health Administration, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Washington, DC
| | - H Ryan Wagner
- Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Jack Tsai
- Veterans Health Administration, National Center on Homelessness among Veterans, Tampa, FL
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, San Antonio campus, TX
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