Citation

Cohn-Schwartz E, Hoffman Y, Shrira A. J. Psychiatr. Res. 2022; 151: 633-637.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.05.022

PMID

35653853

PMCID

PMC9125133

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To explore the extent that pre-COVID-19 comorbid PTSD-depression symptoms prospectively predict mental distress among older adults during COVID-19.

METHODS: We used the Israeli component of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE-Israel), and focused on older adults who participated in 2015 and 2020 and were aged 60 years old or above in 2020 (N = 754). Mental distress was measured via symptoms of depression, feeling anxious\nervous, and loneliness.

RESULTS: Older adults who suffered from PTSD-depression comorbidity prior to the pandemic showed the highest risk of feeling more depressed, anxious\nervous, and lonelier than those with no pre-pandemic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that it would be beneficial to prioritize those older adults with a comorbid PTSD-depression diagnosis for interventions, as they are at the highest risk for mental distress in the event of a new stressor.

Language: en

Keywords

Trauma; Mental health; Coronavirus; Psychological distress; Loneliness