Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

June 3, 2020

COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health Consequences: Systematic Review of the Current Evidence

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  • In a systematic review of the mental health consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Vindegaard and Benros found only 2 studies that evaluated patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. These studies reported a high level of post-traumatic stress symptoms (96%) and depressive symptoms among COVID-19 patients. 
  • The remaining 41 studies focused on the indirect effects of the pandemic on healthcare workers, the general public, and on those with existing mental health diagnoses. In the general public, women, individuals with poor self-rated health status, and those with relatives with COVID-19 were more likely to self-report anxiety, depression symptoms, or low psychological well-being. 

Vindegaard and Benros. (May 30, 2020). COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health Consequences: Systematic Review of the Current Evidence. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2020.05.048