Depression and anxiety in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: A 6-waves longitudinal study in the Argentine population

Abstract

Purpose The pandemic has caused stress due to isolation, loss of loved ones, work and learning changes, fnancial instability, fear of infection, and uncertainty. It has negatively impacted mental health, particularly increasing anxiety, and depression symptoms. This study analyzed anxiety and depression symptoms over the frst 25 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, considering age group, socioeconomic status, and gender. Methods A longitudinal study with 6 repeated measures was conducted, involving 988 adult participants from Argentina. Adapted versions of the BDI-II and STAI were administered through online questionnaires at 2, 14, 50, 130, 390, and 750 days since the start of the lockdown. Results The results showed a sustained increase in anxiety and depression symptoms up to 390 days, followed by a decrease in anxiety below initial levels at 750 days. Depressive symptoms signifcantly decreased after 750 days but remained higher than initial levels. Conclusion Women consistently scored higher than men, lower socioeconomic status individuals reported more symptoms, and younger individuals had higher anxiety and depression, which decreased with age. Surprisingly, older individuals displayed better mental health indicators compared to the rest of the population.