@article{ref1,
title="Network analysis of anxiety and depressive symptoms among quarantined individuals: cross-sectional study",
journal="BJPsych open",
year="2021",
author="Abdul Karim, Mustafa and Ouanes, Sami and Reagu, Shuja M. and Alabdulla, Majid",
volume="7",
number="6",
pages="e222-e222",
abstract="BACKGROUND: The mental health burden of COVID-19 has been examined in different settings. Existing research has relied on the latent variable model in assessing COVID-19-related distress. Network theory provides an alternative framework wherein symptoms are conceptualised as causal, interconnected constituents rather than outcomes of mental disorders. AIMS: To assess networks of self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms among quarantined individuals. <br><br>METHOD: Consenting individuals in different quarantine centres in Qatar completed the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale. We used partial correlation network methods to illustrate interactions of self-reported psychopathology. <br><br>RESULTS: Participants with COVID-19 were significantly older and had a significantly higher proportion of males. The most central node was COVID-19, followed by thoughts of self-harm. COVID-19 status was strongly positively connected to thoughts of self-harm, which was positively connected to psychomotor changes, which were connected to decreased concentration. COVID-19 status was also positively connected to feeling anxious, which was strongly connected to inability to concentrate, which was connected to feeling afraid. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 was the most influential factor, with the highest number and strength of connections to psychopathology in a network of anxiety and depressive symptoms in a quarantine setting. Beyond the resolution of the infection, therapeutic interventions targeting psychomotor changes might prove beneficial in reducing suicidality among quarantined individuals with COVID-19. Follow-up with mental health services after COVID-19 infection is needed to restore psychological well-being. Further research is needed to understand the short- and long-term psychological effects of COVID-19, and the outcomes of different therapeutic interventions.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2056-4724",
doi="10.1192/bjo.2021.1060",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2021.1060"
}