The Burden of Mood and Anxiety Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Literature Review of Risk Factors

Since the first case of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was diagnosed in December 2019, it has rapidly spread across nations and stimulated global public health action. In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, policies have been implemented in order to enforce physical distancing (or social distancing). Although clinically necessitated to prevent transmission of COVID-19, these policies have psychological secondary effects including loneliness and social isolation. The aim of this narrative literature review is to understand the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as associated risk factors. A literature search was conducted on studies published between March 1, 2020 and March 15, 2021. A total of 20 articles were selected for inclusion. All studies included in this review found an increase in mood and anxiety disorder prevalence in communities across the world, particularly impacting those who are Hispanic, women, young, low-income, as well as those who exhibit low distress tolerance and low resilience. This increased prevalence of mental health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic may have public health repercussions in subsequent years, including increased morbidity and mortality. A shift from individual-level to population health approaches for mental health treatment is critical in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic