Impact of Omicron-Variant SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Depression and Anxiety: A Community-Based Study in Korea
- Author:
Youngsook KWON
1
;
Jina PARK
;
Eunkyoung AN
;
Sukyoung JUNG
;
Kukju KWEON
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(4):415-421
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:This study seeks to evaluate the association between the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the severity of depression and anxiety in the Korean community during the period dominated by the Omicron variant.
Methods:We used data from the 2022 Daejeon Mental Health Survey, involving data of 985 participants aged 19–69 years. The data collected included SARS-CoV-2 infection experience, days post-infection, and depression and anxiety symptoms evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7, respectively. Additionally, physical health, social activity status, and sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, age, marital status, educational level, and household income were collected. The association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and depression and anxiety were examined. Further analyses explored association between days post- infection and the severity of depression and anxiety.
Results:There was no significant correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and depression and anxiety in the overall population. Notably, participants under 50 years of age exhibited a transient worsening of depression and anxiety, followed by a decrease in symptoms within 40 days. Participants aged 51 years and older showed no significant change in depression and anxiety.
Conclusion:This study discerned transient effects of Omicron variant infection on depression and anxiety, particularly in younger individuals. A prospective study encompassing a larger sample size is imperative to investigate the influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection on depression and anxiety.
