About three-fourths (77.3%) of the participants in the quarantine group and one-third (37.8%) in the comparator group had depression, while one-fourth (22.7%) in the quarantine group and one-third (35.6%) in the lockdown group had anxiety.
In terms of severity, in the quarantine group, half of the participants reported moderate levels of depression, and 6.8% reported severe depression. In terms of anxiety, more than 90% reported at least a moderate level of anxiety, with nearly 60% having severe to extremely severe anxiety.
“When these prevalence rates for both groups are compared with the data reported for the National Mental Health Survey 2019, it can be said that the prevalence rates among those under quarantine are significantly higher than the general population,” the study claimed.
However, the sample size of this study is small and does not take into account other variables that can influence the findings, such as knowledge and attitude toward Covid-19, social support, history of physical or psychological disorders in the past, and cultural aspects.
The higher prevalence of psychological morbidity could be attributed to confinement at one place. Additional factors that possibly contribute to psychological distress include isolation, stigma, fear of the unknown, and fear of death, the study said.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/lockdown-led-to-higher-depression-rate-pgimer-study-101612724269604.html