Dataset Information

Mental health prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals with bipolar disorder: Insights from prospective longitudinal data.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Many studies have examined the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the public, but few have focused on individuals with existing severe mental illness with longitudinal data before and during the pandemic.

Aims

To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of people with bipolar disorder (BD).

Methods

In an ongoing study of people with BD who used an online mood monitoring tool, True Colours, 356 participants provided weekly data on their mental health. Symptoms of depression, mania, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts were compared in 2019 and 2020. From May 2020, participants also provided weekly data on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety, coping strategies, access to care, and medications.