I.

Cover

The Prevalence of post-pandemic mental disorders in the population assisted in evidence-

based peer consultations.

Denny C. Alvarez

Wurzweiler School Of Social Work/Yeshiva University

Professor Leina Luzuriaga

Date: 12/11/2022
Table of Contents
 Index
I. Summary..................................................................................................................................1

II. Introduction.............................................................................................................................2

III. Literature review....................................................................................................................4

IV. Methodology implemented....................................................................................................8

V. Presentation of results.............................................................................................................8

VI. Discussion of results............................................................................................................15

VII. Conclusion..........................................................................................................................16

VIII. References.........................................................................................................................17
I. Summary

This research focuses on the prevalence of post-pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19)

mental disorders in the population assisted in evidence-based peer consultations. An

observational study was conducted with the attendees to sessions at the Hear Me App.

Evidence-based peer support application. The population consisted of 375 people, attended

between May and December 2022. The data collected has allowed us to determine the

prevalence of post-pandemic mental disorders in the population assisted in evidence-based

peer consultations. As a result, the Symptoms of mental illness were present in a moderate and

mild form, mainly higher in the young female population, presenting mainly post-traumatic

stress, depression, and anxiety. Likewise, it has been shown that sadness, loneliness, and

somatic pain are the main symptoms presented, whose population is being treated mainly by

combining medications and psychological therapies.

Keywords: mental disorders, pandemic, coronavirus, COVID-19.

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II. Introduction

This research focuses on the prevalence of post-pandemic mental disorders in the

population assisted in evidence-based peer consultations and individual counseling.

The pandemic caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by

the SARS-CoV-2 virus, significantly affected physical and mental health. Fear, worry, and

stress were considered to a certain extent, normal reactions to a virus that was unknown to the

western world. It mainly brought uncertain situations for medicine itself and strange reactions,

which until today are presented as a latent threat. Therefore, during the quarantine, it was

understandable that people would experience these emotions related to the Covid-19

pandemic.

Physical distancing measures, working from home, short-term unemployment,

homeschooling children, and lack of physical contact with loved ones and friends also took a

toll on mental and physical health. However, efforts to contain and stop the virus's spread led

to essential lifestyle changes, which, although they sought to prevent contagion, increased

fear, anxiety, and depression. Two years after the pandemic, various studies and surveys show

considerable growth in the number of adults in this country who report symptoms of stress,

anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

The COVID-19 Health Care workers Study (HEROES) report shows that between

14.7% and 22% of the health personnel interviewed in 2020 presented symptoms that made it

possible to suspect a depressive episode, while between 5 and 15% of the staff said they

thought about committing suicide. Morales (2021), in his study: Impact of the COVID-19

pandemic on mental health, states that "after the month of confinement, symptoms

characterized by acute stress appeared that could reach post-traumatic stress conditions."

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 Likewise, the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), in its study: Coronavirus

disease (COVID-19): condition after COVID-19, has established that "the COVID-19

pandemic has had a serious collision on the mental health and well-being of people in the

world. While many people have adapted, others have suffered from mental health problems, in

some cases due to COVID-19 infection."

In response to the above and trying to find a way to mitigate the situation of millions of

people with this condition, initiatives such as HearMe App. have emerged, an evidence-based

peer support application where people connect through the power of lived experience shared.

HearMe's fundamental mission is to ensure everyone is heard, seen, validated, and supported

for who they are. Harnessing the evidence-backed power of peer support, HearMe empowers

people with shared life experiences to provide insightful, emotional, social, and practical

support to our members.

Peer support has been shown to alleviate mental health symptoms, reduce inpatient

admission rates, and decrease substance abuse and depression. This subclinical early

intervention provides a better level of service and can often prevent escalation to more critical

mental health issues. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the prevalence of post-pandemic

mental disorders in the population assisted in evidence-based peer consultations.

The estimates of the number of people assisted whom present symptoms of mental

disorders are based on data obtained from consultations carried out from June to October

2022, whose estimates are crossed with a review of the systematic literature of the prominent

public and mental health agencies about the topic under study.

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III. Literature review

The central world agencies in various publications have expressed concern about the

consequences of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on the population's mental health.

Thus, the latest Atlas of Mental Health that the Organization has published draws particular

attention to the urgent need to drastically increase investment in mental health (WHO, 2021).

In this sense, different international agencies and authors have published various studies,

among which it is necessary to cite:

The World Health Organization (WHO), in its article entitled "Mental health and

COVID-19: initial data on the repercussions of the pandemic," the Organization addresses the

problem from a look at the global increase in the organization addresses problem from the

perspective of the worldwide increase in mental health problems, including depression and

anxiety, in a general way.

Among the conclusions reached by the study, it is expressed that there were indications

of an increased risk in young people and the long-term impact of the pandemic and the

associated economic recession on mental health. The pandemic has further widened the mental

health treatment gap, and outpatient health services have particularly been disrupted.

On the other hand, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF, 2021) conducted a

survey to measure: "The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of adolescents and young

people." Among the participants, 27% reported feeling anxious and 15% depressed in the last

seven days. For 30%, the main reason influencing their current emotions is the economic

situation.

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 The general situation in the countries and their localities has affected the daily life of

young people since 46% report having less motivation to carry out activities that they usually

enjoy. 36% feel less motivated to carry out their usual activities.

Fountoulakisa et al. (2021), in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology,

published a study entitled: International Study of Mental Health COVID-19 in the General

Population. A high index of probable depression (17.8%) was detected in the analyzed

population, followed by anxiety at 16.7%. Likewise, they determined that a significant

percentage said they had registered deterioration of their mental state.

The Spanish Mental Health Confederation (2021), in its article "Mental Health and

COVID-19: a year of the pandemic," states that significant increases in anxiety and stress

levels have been observed in the general population, with several studies showing that

approximately one-third of adult’s report levels of distress. Special groups at particular risk

due to limited access to mental health services, limited social contacts, or limited economic

activity are refugees and immigrants.

A study by the Center for Sociological Research (CIS, 2021), entitled "Survey on the

mental health of Spaniards during the COVID-19 pandemic," reveals that from the start of the

pandemic to the present, 6.4% of the population has gone to a mental health professional for

some symptom, with the highest percentage being 43.7% due to anxiety and 35.5% due to

depression.

According to this study, 5.8% of the population has received psychopharmacological

treatment, among which anxiolytics (58.7%) and antidepressants (41.3%) stand out. 68.7%

have taken them for more than three months, and 77.1% are currently taking them.

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Covid 19 and mental health

At the end of 2019, a disease caused by a new coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2,

2019nCoV (from English 2019-new coronavirus), or simply COVID-19, appeared in China.

This virus can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome, which can be fatal in some people.

In January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced an outbreak of this

new disease and named it COVID-19. Since then, an international public health emergency

has been declared, except in China, due to the high risk of the disease spreading to other

countries worldwide. In March 2020, the organization decided to identify COVID-19 as a

pandemic.

In universal terms, as of 2020, the health situation has become critical and delicate due

to Covid-19. Covid-19 has touched all the continents and even the subcontinents, where

hundreds of families have lost their lives because of the health damage and, even more

seriously, in the first months of 2020 since the medical and paramedical personnel were

Tiny prepared to face or attack the Covid-19 pandemic effectively. As the coronavirus

pandemic spreads rapidly around the world, it has created a lot of fear and concern among the

public, especially among certain groups: older adults, caregivers, and people with underlying

medical conditions. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed many people's lives, especially their

daily habits. It brings with it: uncertainty, changes in daily routine, financial stress, social

isolation, and fear of getting sick. Due to the need for more understanding of how long the

pandemic will last and what the future may hold.

Too much information and unfounded rumors made people feel out of control and

overwhelmed. Because of this, people experience stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, and loneliness,

which increases the likelihood that pre-existing mental disorders will worsen. The above

reasons have focused increased attention on understanding mental health behavior patterns.
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 According to the World Health Organization, mental health problems have increased

after the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming one of the main concerns of the great world powers.

Studies reveal that significant increases in anxiety and stress levels have been observed in the

general population. In this sense, the Pan American Health Organization (2021) has stated:

From a mental health perspective, a large-scale epidemic implies a

psychosocial disturbance that may exceed the coping capacity of the affected

population. It can even be considered that the entire population suffers stress

and anguish to a greater or lesser extent. Thus, an increase in the incidence of

mental disorders is estimated (between a third and a half of the exposed

population may suffer some psychopathological manifestation, according to the

magnitude of the event and the degree of vulnerability). Not all psychological

and social problems can be classified as diseases; most reactions to an

abnormal situation will be expected. (p.4)

It must be understood that by following the models of psychopathological

vulnerability, some subjects run a greater risk of being affected regardless of the current

circumstances and the alert status related to Covid-19.

The crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact people's lives.

Emotionally, the practices of social distancing and self-isolation persist, which continue to

cause mental health problems, anxiety, and depression. The uncertainty associated with the

disease, its new variants and outbreaks, and the unknown duration of public health

interventions to deal with its progression continues to cause pre-existing mental health

problems.

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IV. Methodology implemented

An observational study was performed on post-pandemic mental health aspects, with

those attending online sessions through the HearMe App platform, an evidence-based peer

support application. The population comprises 375 people, observed between May and

November 2022. In the bibliographic part, a search for relevant literature on the subject was

carried out. Different scientific information search engines were used: PubMed, Google, and

Google Scholar. The search strategy included the following terms as keywords: COVID-19,

SARS-CoV-2, 2019nCoV. The results obtained in the consultations were crossed with the

evidence collected in scientific studies.

Once the articles of interest were identified, two selection criteria were considered for

this review: firstly, that they examine the problem of the repercussion of COVID-19 on

people's mental health, and that they address the subject through any research methodology

(quantitative, qualitative, operations research, or others). Articles that did not meet these

conditions were excluded.

V. Presentation of results

Table 1. The time they have received assistanc

Sex Quantity %

Man 175 47

Woman 200 53

Total 375 100

Source: people attending consultations

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The data collected refer to consultations between May and November 2022, where 53% are

female, and 47% are male. The female population was higher, which shows that women were

more affected.

Graph 1. The time they have received assistance

Source: table 1.

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 Table 2. Age of the population

Age Quantity %
14 to 18 20 5
19 to 22 105 28
23 to 28 80 21
29 to 35 75 20
35 to 45 55 15
46 or more 40 11
Total 375 100
Source: people attending consultations

Regarding the ages, the most significant number is between 19 and 22 years old, with 28%,

21% from 23 to 28, 20% from 29 to 45, 15% from 35 to 45, 11% from 46 or more, and 5%

from 14 to 18 years.

Graph 2. Age of the population

Source: table 2.

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Table 3. Mental disorders in the study population.

Disorders Man Woman Total %

Anxiety Disorders 45 50 95 25
Depression 50 50 100 27
Post-Traumatic Stress
55 50 105
Disorders 28
Eating Disorders 0 35 35 9
Personality Disorders 0 15 15 4
Psychotic Disorders 25 10 35 9
Total  175 200 375 100
Source: people attending consultations

In the analyzed population, 28% display post-traumatic stress disorder, 27% present

depression, 25% anxiety, 9% personality, and psychotic disorders, respectively, and 4%

personality. The most prevalent conditions are post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety.

Graph 3. Mental disorders in the study population.

Source: table 3.

Table 4. Phase of disorders

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 Disorders Man Woman Total %

Level 57 63 32
120
Moderate 101 103 54
204
Severe 17 34 14
51
Total 175 200 100
375
Source: people attending consultations

54% of the population presents moderate disorders, 32% mild, and 14% acute. Most of the

population has average levels in terms of conditions.

Graph 4. Phase of the disorders

Source: table 4.

Table 5. Most frequent symptoms in the population studied.

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Symptoms Man Woman Total %
Insomnia 25 25 50 13
Fear 40 30 70 19
Sadness 45 50 95 25
Loneliness 35 45 80 21
Somatic Pains 30 50 80 21
Total 175 200 375 100
Source: people attending consultations

25% of the population presents sadness, 21% loneliness, 21% somatic pain, 19% fear, and

13% insomnia. Therefore, it is evident that sadness, loneliness, and bodily pain are the main

symptoms presented.

Graph 5. The most frequent symptoms in the population studied

Source: Table 5.

Graph 6. Treatment implemented

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 Treatment Man Woman Total %

Pharmacological 35 39 74 20

Psychological 42 54 96 26

Both  98 107 205 55

Total  175 200 375 100

source: people attending consultations

55% of the cases are treated with medicines and therapies, 26% only with psychological

therapies, and 20% with medications.

Graph 6. Treatment implemented

Source: table 6.

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VI. Discussion of results
The data collected confirms that COVID-19 hurts people's mental health; in this sense,

of the population that attends the consultation, 53% are female, and 47% are male. In this

sense, it is evident that the female population was higher, which shows that women were more

affected.

The above data coincide with those found by Mejía & Ramos (2022), who, in their

study, found that women presented more frequent symptoms of anxiety and depression, while

men manifested stress symptoms in the majority. Regarding the ages, the most significant

number is between 19 and 22 years old, with 28%, 21% from 23 to 28, 20% from 29 to 45,

15% from 35 to 45, 11% from 46 or more, and 5% from 14 to 18 years.

In the analyzed population, 28% display post-traumatic stress disorder, 27% present

depression, 25% anxiety, 9% personality and psychotic disorders, respectively, and 4%

personality. The most prevalent diseases are post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety.

These data are like those reported by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF,

2021), which in its analysis, determined that most of the symptoms were in the younger

population, where 27% reported feeling anxious and 15% depressed in the last seven days.

54% of the population presents moderate disorders, 32% mild, and 14% acute. Most of

the population has average levels in terms of conditions. 25% of the population presents

sadness, 21% loneliness, 21% bodily pain, 19% fear, and 13% insomnia. Therefore, it is

evident that sadness, loneliness, and physical pain are the main symptoms presented. 55% of

the cases are treated with medicines and therapies, 26% only with psychological therapies, and

20% with medications. Whose data coincide with those of Morales (2021), who states that

symptoms characterized by acute stress that can reach post-traumatic stress conditions were

presented in his study.

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VII. Conclusion

The collected data have made it possible to determine the prevalence of post-pandemic

mental disorders in the population assisted in evidence-based peer consultations. As a result,

the symptoms of mental illness were mainly present in moderate and mild form, being higher

in the population of young females, presenting mainly post-traumatic stress, depression, and

anxiety. Likewise, it has been shown that sadness, loneliness, and bodily pain are the main

symptoms presented, whose population is being treated mainly by combining medications and

psychological therapies.

The presence that COVID-19 still has continues to impact the population's mental

health, generating symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and stress disorders, where

the most significant target is young people, where the signs of sadness and fear are related to

recurring emotional problems.

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