AUTHOR=Sorokin Mikhail Yu , Kasyanov Evgeny D. , Rukavishnikov Grigory V. , Khobeysh Maria A. , Makarevich Olga V. , Neznanov Nikolay G. , Maximova Tatyana G. , Verzilin Dmitry N. , Lutova Natalia B. , Mazo Galina E. 

TITLE=Determinants of Stress Levels and Behavioral Reactions in Individuals With Affective or Anxiety Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Russia

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sociology

VOLUME=7

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sociology/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2022.870421

DOI=10.3389/fsoc.2022.870421

ISSN=2297-7775

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Introduction</title><p>Individuals with affective and anxiety disorders are among those most vulnerable to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p></sec><sec><title>Aim</title><p>This study aims to analyze the determinants of stress levels and protective behavioral strategies associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in Russian-speaking people with affective or anxiety disorders (AADs).</p></sec><sec><title>Materials and Methods</title><p>In this cross-sectional online survey, the psychological distress and behavioral patterns of respondents with self-reported AAD (<italic>n</italic> = 1,375) and without disorders (<italic>n</italic> = 4,278) were evaluated during three periods of restrictive measures in Russia (March–May 2020). Distress levels were verified using the Psychological Stress Measure (PSM-25).</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>Stress levels among respondents with AAD were higher at all study periods than for those with no mental disorder (Cohen's <italic>d</italic> 0.8–1.6). The stress level increased (Cohen's <italic>d</italic> = 0.4) in adolescents (16–18 years) with AAD and remained the same in those without disorders; in youths (19–24 years) with and without disorders, an increase (Cohen's <italic>d</italic> = 0.3) and a decrease (Cohen's <italic>d</italic> = 0.3) in the stress were observed, correspondingly; the stress in adults (25–44 years) with disorders did not change and decreased in those without disorders (Cohen's <italic>d</italic> = 0.4). Individuals with bipolar disorders demonstrated lower stress than individuals with depressive (Cohen's <italic>d</italic> = 0.15) and anxiety disorders (Cohen's <italic>d</italic> = 0.27). Respondents with depressive and bipolar disorders employed fewer protective measures simultaneously and were less likely to search for information about COVID-19.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>The presence of affective or anxiety disorders is associated with a more acute response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Apparently, the type of mental disorder influenced stress levels and protective behavior patterns.</p></sec>