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The Prevalence and Correlates of Probable Major Depressive Disorder and Probable Generalized Anxiety Disorder during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Results of a Nationally Representative Survey in Germany

Author

Listed:
  • André Hajek

    (Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Hans-Helmut König

    (Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany)

Abstract

The aim was to clarify the prevalence and correlates of probable major depressive disorder and probable generalized anxiety disorder in the general adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were derived from a nationally representative survey (August and September 2021). In total, n = 3075 individuals took part. To quantify probable generalized anxiety disorder, the established Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7; cutoff of 10) was used. Moreover, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; cutoff of 10) was used to quantify probable major depressive disorder. The prevalence of probable major depressive disorder was 20.0% and the prevalence of probable generalized anxiety disorder was 13.4%. Particularly high prevalence rates were observed for younger individuals, individuals with migration background and individuals with at least one chronic disease. The likelihood of probable major depressive disorder was positively associated with younger age, being unmarried, having a migration background, smoking, daily alcohol intake, the presence of chronic diseases and lower self-rated health. Similarly, the likelihood of probable generalized anxiety disorder was positively associated with younger age, being unmarried, smoking, the presence of chronic diseases and lower self-rated health. In conclusion, the magnitude of probable major depressive disorder and probable generalized anxiety disorder in Germany in late summer of 2021 was highlighted. Identifying the correlates of them may help to tackle individuals at higher risk.

Suggested Citation

  • André Hajek & Hans-Helmut König, 2021. "The Prevalence and Correlates of Probable Major Depressive Disorder and Probable Generalized Anxiety Disorder during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Results of a Nationally Representative Survey in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-9, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12302-:d:685864
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eerika Finell & Marja Tiilikainen & Inga Jasinskaja-Lahti & Nasteho Hasan & Fairuz Muthana, 2021. "Lived Experience Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic among Arabic-, Russian- and Somali-Speaking Migrants in Finland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-18, March.
    2. André Hajek & Hans-Helmut König, 2020. "Prevalence and Correlates of Individuals Screening Positive for Depression and Anxiety on the PHQ-4 in the German General Population: Findings from the Nationally Representative German Socio-Economic ," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-11, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Matthias Seitz & Ulrich Frick & Miles Tallon & Karina Gotthardt & Katrin Rakoczy, 2024. "Career decisions in artistic professions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany—an experimental study," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-13, December.

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