Depression during pandemic: The recent pandemic has witnessed an increase in the depression levels among UK adults aged over 50 years. And those living in urban areas affected the most. The above findings revealed a new point of discussion.
As per a medical paper published in journal BJPsych Open, researches directly had a comparison between depression levels among people aged over 50 years before and after COVID-19 pandemic.
It all happened when a survey was conducted among 5,331 participants during Summer 2020.
In the study, experts compared the self-reported depression symptoms in the months of June and July 2020 with baseline data taken two to three years down the line.
The experts also studied some crucial demographic health related factors that worked adversely in the presence of pandemic.
The study concluded at its findings where it revealed an overall rise in such symptoms. Out of all the participants, 26% met the criteria of clinical depression during the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to 14% from previous years.
Those living alone and having long term health risks were found to be at higher risk. Studies also found that females were at higher risks as compared to men of the same age group.
Females living in urban areas also found to be at higher risk in depression levels as compared to rural women. It also suggested that it made an adverse affect on those living under lockdown as compared to living in green spaces.
This is what the research said, This is an important piece of research that gives us an insight into the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns on the mental health and wellbeing of people aged 50 and over, and identifies the groups who were most affected.
This is crucial information as we begin to come out of the pandemic, to ensure that the long-term health and social wellbeing of these individuals is supported.” Dr Simon Evans, Research Leader, Lecturer in Neuroscience, University of Surrey
Also Read: Crippling Depression Signs, Symptoms & the Ways to Manage It
Source(s):
https://www.surrey.ac.uk/news/large-rise-depression-symptoms-amongst-uk-over-50s-during-covid-19-pandemic-study-finds
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210906/Study-finds-an-increase-in-depression-symptoms-among-UK-adults-aged-50-plus-during-the-pandemic.aspx
Journal reference:
Rutland-Lawes, J., et al. (2021) Risk factors for depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study in middle-aged and older adults. BJPsych Open. doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2021.997.
