Impact of COVID-19 pandemic related stressors on patients with anxiety disorders: A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures are affecting mental health, especially among patients with pre-existing mental disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the first wave and its aftermath of the pandemic in Germany (March-July) on psychopathology of patients diagnosed with panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and specific phobia who were on the waiting list or in current treatment at a German university-based outpatient clinic. From 108 patients contacted, forty-nine patients (45.37%) completed a retrospective survey on COVID-19 related stressors, depression, and changes in anxiety symptoms. Patients in the final sample (n = 47) reported a mild depression and significant increase in unspecific anxiety (d = .41), panic symptoms (d = .85) and

SUBMITTER: Langhammer T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9387803 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature