Females at higher levels of depression and anxiety from COVID-19, according to Monash University

Medical News: Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, along with researchers from the Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre (MAPrc) are currently conducting a nationwide survey tracking the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australians.

The survey is ongoing and has already been completed by 2,000 Australians nationally – looking at both the mental health consequences of the pandemic and resilience factors that contribute to good mental health. Researchers will continue to follow the participants for two years and document their findings.

Preliminary Findings

1. About 20% of Australian adult respondents are reporting moderate to severe levels of psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  
2. Levels of depression, anxiety and stress are higher than what would normally be seen in the general population.
3. Depression: 25% of the respondents reported moderate to severe levels of depression.
4. Stress and anxiety: 14% reported moderate to severe levels of anxiety; and 19% reported moderate to severe levels of stress.  
5. Females had higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress.  
6. Poorer mental health outcomes are also associated with feelings of isolation and loneliness.  
7. Poorer mental health outcomes were seen in people who had COVID-19 related loss of employment.  
8. Between 3 April – 3 May, the psychological impact of the pandemic, including depression and anxiety symptoms was reported as moderate to severe in 35% of females compared to 19% of males for depression, 21% of females compared to 9% of males for anxiety. 
9. Suicidal thoughts were reported in 17% of females and 14% of males.  

In alignment with the Federal Government’s mental health initiative the #SelfcareInHealthcare campaign has been launched to support Pharma, Biotech and MedTech industry professionals and supported by Medicines Australia, AusBiotech and ARCS Australia. Learn more.