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A 2-year longitudinal evaluation of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with pre-existing anxiety disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 April 2023

A. McLoughlin Open the ORCID record for A. McLoughlin [Opens in a new window] ,
K. Mulholland ,
E. McMahon ,
R. Plunkett ,
K. Hennigan ,
C. McDonald Open the ORCID record for C. McDonald [Opens in a new window]  and
B. Hallahan
A. McLoughlin*
Affiliation:
Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, University Hospital Galway, Ireland Department of Psychiatry, Jonathan Swift Centre, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
K. Mulholland
Affiliation:
Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, University Hospital Galway, Ireland
E. McMahon
Affiliation:
Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, University Hospital Galway, Ireland
R. Plunkett
Affiliation:
Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, University Hospital Galway, Ireland Department of Psychological Medicine, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
K. Hennigan
Affiliation:
Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, University Hospital Galway, Ireland Department of Psychiatry, Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland
C. McDonald
Affiliation:
Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, University Hospital Galway, Ireland School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
B. Hallahan
Affiliation:
Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, University Hospital Galway, Ireland School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
*
Address for correspondence: Dr. Aoibheann McLoughlin, Senior Registrar, Department of Psychiatry, Jonathan Swift Centre, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland. (Email: aoibheannmcloughlin@gmail.com)
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Abstract

Objectives:

To examine if the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a differential effect over a 2-year time period in relation to its psychological and social impact on patients with established anxiety disorders.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 individuals attending the Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services in Ireland with an ICD-10 diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. Interviews occurred at three time-points over a 2-year period to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions on anxiety and depressive symptoms, social and occupational functioning, and quality of life.

Results:

No statistical difference in symptomatology was noted between the three time-points in relation to anxiety symptoms as measured utilising psychometric rating scales (Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) or Likert Scale measures). The greatest impact of COVID-19 at all time-points related to social functioning and quality of life. Significant variability was noted for individual participants. Qualitative analysis noted a tentative optimism for the future in the setting of vaccination and societal re-opening. Fear of re-emerging anxiety symptoms with the removal of societal restrictions was noted.

Conclusions:

No significant overall change in symptomatology or functioning over time was noted for individuals with pre-existing anxiety disorders, however variability was demonstrated, with some individuals describing ongoing anxiety, social isolation and concern for their future. A strong theme of hope for the future and less concern regarding the COVID-19 pandemic was evident; however tailored supports including the utilisation of tele-psychiatry is suggested, particularly for those experiencing increased anxiety with the removal of societal restrictions.

Keywords

COVID-19anxiety disordersobsessive compulsive disorder
Type
Original Research
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 40 , Issue 3 , September 2023 , pp. 437 - 444
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland

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