COVID-19 anxiety syndrome: A pandemic phenomenon?

Written by Kimberly Drake on May 7, 2021 — Fact checked by Alexandra Sanfins, Ph.D.

As lockdowns and restrictions ease in various locations, some people find it extremely challenging
to reacclimate to “normal” life. As the pandemic recedes, some consider this phenomenon as the
next emerging mental health crisis.

Share on PinterestCOVID-19 anxiety syndrome is an emerging phenomenon defined by compulsive

symptom checking and avoiding leaving the house, even when the health risks are minimal.

Over a year has passed since SARS-CoV-2 began to spread across the world. Its appearance, which
first caused mild concern, soon turned into serious worry as more people received a diagnosis of
COVID-19.

In the beginning, scientists knew very little about this novel virus and the disease it caused. The
unknowns and the virus’s remarkably rapid spread incited fear among health professionals,
scientists, and the public.

Soon, restricted travel, lockdowns, mask mandates, and physical distancing protocols were
implemented as a tactic to slow COVID-19’s spread. Widespread media coverage detailed every
nuance of an ever-changing pandemic landscape as world leaders and health experts waged war on
this invisible threat.

Worldwide, there have been over 150 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, with just over 3
million deaths attributed to the disease. According to official projections, in some countries, such as
the United States, the rate of new SARS-CoV-2 infections is gradually declining.

This decrease is likely due to increased herd immunity and the introduction of vaccines. To date,
approximately 1 billion vaccine dosesTrusted Source have been administered across the globe.

As a result, some countries, such as the United Kingdom, are beginning to soften protocols initially
put in place to stop the spread of the virus. As lockdowns lift, many people who were unable to
leave their house are now going out and enjoying life as best they can while still being mindful of
safety.

Yet, for some, going back out and mixing with other people is a concept filled with fear and
anxiety. Despite vaccines and a decrease in disease prevalence, some people experience what
scientists call COVID-19 anxiety syndrome.

Symptoms of this syndrome mimic those of other mental health conditions, including anxiety, post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). And, the pandemic
and related factors appear to be the cause.

In this Special Feature, Medical News Today takes a closer look at this phenomenon, how it occurs,
and what the latest research says. We also talked to environmental psychologist and well-being
consultant Lee Chambers, [Link]., [Link].S. Chambers shared his tips on how to manage this
emerging mental health challenge.
How the pandemic impacts mental health

At the beginning of the pandemic, most people were on high alert, experiencing fear and worry over
the impact this virus may have. As scientists and health care professionals gained more
understanding of the virus and how to treat the symptoms of COVID-19, society began to settle into
a new and unfamiliar routine of living with a pandemic.

Throughout this global health emergency, reactions have varied widely. Some people refused to
change their behavior, while others followed the rules strictly to avoid contracting the virus.
However, on a larger scale, most people experienced a sudden disruption in their lives.

Disaster situations often have the same effect.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies classify a disaster as “a
sudden, catastrophic event that severely disrupts the functioning of a community or society, causing
human, material, economic, or environmental losses.”

A disaster can have far-reaching consequences on mental health. According to researchTrusted

Source, a disaster may precipitate PTSD, anxiety, and depression among the population. People
with mental health conditions, women, children, and older adults are most at risk.

These mental health consequences of a disaster also occurred with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Statistics recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted
Source between June 24–30, 2020, show that around 40% of adults in the U.S. reported at
least one adverse mental health concern, including anxiety, depression, substance use, and
suicidal ideation.

As more understanding of pandemic-related mental health consequences evolved, scientists

identified an emerging group of anxiety-related symptoms and behaviors associated with the
COVID-19 pandemic. They classify this phenomenon as COVID-19 anxiety syndrome.

What is COVID-19 anxiety syndrome?

Profs Ana Nikčević from Kingston University of London and Marcantonio Spada from London
South Bank University, both in the U.K., developed the concept of COVID-19 anxiety syndrome.

In a paper that appears in Psychiatry ResearchTrusted Source in October 2020, Profs Nikčević and
Spada outline the characteristics of COVID-19 anxiety syndrome, naming avoidance, compulsive
symptom-checking, worrying, and threat monitoring (combined).

This syndrome manifests as the inability to leave the house because of COVID-19 fears,
frequent checking for symptoms despite not being in a high-risk scenario, and avoiding social
situations or people.

Investigators note that people with this syndrome tend to experience increased post-traumatic stress,
general stress, anxiety, health anxiety, and suicidal ideation.