Are patients with mental disorders more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic? - Findings from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey.

BACKGROUND

Loneliness and social isolation are well-known factors that worsen the symptoms among patients with mental disorders. Few previous studies have explored loneliness and social isolation among populations with mental disorders during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Therefore, our study examined the mental health impact of the pandemic on these population groups in terms of loneliness and social isolation.

METHODS

We used data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Surveys, a large-scale online survey. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we calculated the odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation for major chronic diseases, including mental disorders, after adjusting for potential confounders. Calculations were performed for each type of mental disorder. Finally, calculations were performed to explore the association between moderate-to-severe loneliness or high social isolation and psychiatric symptoms among patients with mental disorders.

RESULTS

Of the 28,175 participants, 2021 (7.2 %) had a mental disorder. Mental disorders, especially depression and anxiety disorders, were found to be associated with a higher risk of moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation. Patients with mental disorders who experienced moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation were found to have exacerbated psychiatric symptoms.

LIMITATION

Our findings were obtained from a cross-sectional study design.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with mental disorders were more vulnerable to moderate-to-severe loneliness and high social isolation during the pandemic, which contributed to the exacerbation of their symptoms. Depression and anxiety, in particular, were most likely to occur and required special attention.