The Ongoing Mental Health Plight of Depressed College Students: Clinical Recommendations and the Importance of Early Screening and Detection.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the lives of college students. The psychological distress from the pandemic increased risk for provisional rates of Major Depression Disorder (MDD) during an already crucial developmental period. Using an online survey, participants were assessed for a provisional diagnosis of MDD using a validated screening tool, along with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and psychosocial correlates. Findings showed a significant increase in the prevalence of MDD, and significant differences in social support, loneliness, substance use, GAD and suicidality were identified. Early screening and detection for potential MDD symptoms can reduce the severity, duration, and reoccurrence of future MDD episodes for college students.

Generalized anxiety disorder in college students during the covid-19 pandemic: The importance of screening and early detection during traumatic stressor events

Objective: This study examined provisional prevalence rates of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) along with psychosocial correlates among U.S. college students during the first year of the pandemic. Participants: There were 1,793 undergraduate college student participants recruited from a public university. Methods:Using the Patient Health Questionnaire for GAD (GAD-7), a provisional diagnosis of GAD was determined and participants with GAD (N = 347;19.4%) and without GAD (N = 1446;80.6%) were compared on stress, coping, loneliness, individual strength, pandemic concerns, and substance use behaviors. Results:Students with GAD symptomology reported significantly higher rates of perceived stress, greater loneliness, more fatigue, and more pandemic-related concerns. Further, those with GAD had a significant increase in substance use behaviors. Conclusions: It is important for college mental health providers to be aware of GAD symptomology among college students, and to further recognize the importance of early screening and detection, especially during traumatic stressor events. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

The Generation Gap Revisited: Generational Differences in Mental Health, Maladaptive Coping Behaviors, and Pandemic-Related Concerns During the Initial COVID-19 Pandemic.

The purpose of this study was to assess differences in mental health symptoms, pandemic-related concerns, and maladaptive coping behaviors among adults in the United States across generations during the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic. A social media campaign was used to recruit 2696 U.S. individuals to participate in an online survey in April 2020, assessing various validated psychosocial factors, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), perceived stress, loneliness, quality of life, and fatigue, along with pandemic-specific concerns and changes in alcohol use and substance use. Participants were grouped based on generation status (Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X, and Baby Boomer) and statistical comparisons were conducted based on demographics, psychosocial factors, pandemic-related concerns, and substance use. During the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the younger cohorts (Gen Z and Millennials) rated significantly worse on mental health indices, including major depression, GAD, perceived stress, loneliness, quality of life, and fatigue. Further, the participants in the Gen Z and Millennial generational groups exhibited greater increase in maladaptive coping with substance use, specifically alcohol use and increased use of sleep aids. Our results indicate that during the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Gen Z and Millennial generational cohorts were considered a psychologically vulnerable population due to their mental health and maladaptive coping behaviors. Improving access to mental health resources during early stages of a pandemic is an emerging public health concern.

The great resignation in higher education: An occupational health approach to understanding intentions-to-quit for faculty in higher education

The increase of resignations in education has continued to trend upwards, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study's aim was to develop a comprehensive investigation of key predictors and motivations for leaving academia. The key factors associated with intent-to-quit were: low perceived organizational support, high exhaustion, and low compassion satisfaction. Additionally, high rates of depression and anxiety were worse for faculty intending to leave academia. To improve retention, it is recommended that higher education institutions commit to increase support to faculty and to improve overall working conditions, in order to advert the predicted impending Great Resignation within academia.

Major Depression in Postpartum Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Can Social Support Buffer Psychosocial Risks and Substance Use?

Rates of mood disorders and substance use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic for postpartum women. The present study's aims were to: (1) examine the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) evaluate whether social support can buffer the associations between MDD, psychosocial factors (perceived stress, generalized anxiety, and intimate partner violence) and substance use (alcohol and drug use). A nationwide survey included 593 postpartum mothers (within 12 months from birth). Participants were assessed for a provisional diagnosis of MDD, and provided responses on validated instruments measuring stress, intimate partner violence, suicidal ideation, generalized anxiety, social support, and substance use. A hierarchical logistic regression model assessed the association of psychosocial factors and substance use with MDD. The final model shows that social support attenuates the association of MDD with perceived stress, alcohol use, and drug use, but does not buffer the relationship of MDD with anxiety or intimate partner violence. Social support was shown to significantly attenuate the effects of stress, alcohol use, and drug use on MDD, suggesting that the presence of a strong, supportive social network should be an area of increased focus for public health and healthcare professionals when caring for postpartum women.

Lessons Learned about the Need for Early Screening for Depression during the First Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States.

A nationwide survey assessed the prevalence and pandemic-related risk factors of major depressive disorder (MDD) at the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings showed a significant increase in the prevalence of MDD (22.7%) compared to the pre-pandemic 12-month estimate (10.4%). Specific pandemic-related concerns, along with significant increases in stress, loneliness, fatigue, and substance use behaviors are noted for those with the provisional diagnosis of MDD. Early screening and detection for potential MDD cases can reduce the severity and duration of maladaptive symptoms, decreasing the risk for future depression episodes and the potential loss of quality of life and productivity.

Pandemic-Specific Factors Related to Generalized Anxiety Disorder during the Initial COVID-19 Protocols in the United States.

Little is known about the psychological stress and secondary impacts emerging among the general U.S. population as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose for the current study is to assess the prevalence rates of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and to establish psychosocial correlates, pandemic-themed concerns, and other comorbidities for those with GAD at the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This online study included 2,101 U.S. adults between April 14-22, 2020, during the initial stay-at-home protocols and assessed GAD, psychosocial factors, and pandemic-related factors including concerns, changes in health behaviors, and adherence to protocols. The results demonstrated a high prevalence rate (17.9%) for GAD during the initial COVID-19 outbreak compared with the prior 1.8% 12-month estimate before the pandemic. Individuals with GAD reported significantly higher levels of stress, loneliness, fatigue, and empathic concern, along with reductions in levels of quality of life. Likewise, those with GAD reported significantly higher pandemic-related concerns, poorer changes in general health behaviors, and less confidence in the government's response to the pandemic. For clinical purposes, these findings provide insight into the various types of pandemic-themed worries that individuals meeting clinical criteria for GAD will have the most difficulties controlling.