Anxiety and depression in the Republic of Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland resulted in anationwide quarantine on March 27, 2020. This study represents thefirst assessment of rates of anxiety and depression in the generalpopulation of Ireland during the pandemic.Aims:Our first aim was to estimate the probable prevalence rates ofgeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression and to identifysociodemographic risk factors associated with screening positive forGAD or depression. Our second aim was to determine if COVID-19related anxiety was highest amongst those in society at greatest risk ofmorality from COVID-19.Method:Self-report data were collected from a nationallyrepresentative Irish sample (N=1041) online between March 31 andApril 5; the first week of the nationwide quarantine measures.Recognized cut-off scores on the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 were used toestimate rates of GAD and depression. Correlates of screening positivefor GAD or depression were assessed using logistic regression analysis.Results:GAD (20.0%), depression (22.8%) and GAD or depression(27.7%) was common. Screening positive for GAD or depression wasassociated with younger age, female sex, loss of income due to COVID-19, COVID-19 infection and higher perceived risk of COVID-19infection. Citizens aged 65 and older had significantly higher levels ofCOVID-19 related anxiety than adults aged 18–34.Conclusions:Initial results from this multi-wave study monitoringchanges in population anxiety and depression throughout the pandemicindicate that GAD and depression were common experiences in thepopulation during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic