Depressive symptoms in response to COVID-19 and lockdown: a cross-sectional study on the Italian population

The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdowns had major personal, social, and economic impacts worldwide. Italy, one of the earliest affected European countries, enacted a national lockdown from March 9 to May 3, 2020. Prior studies reported increased anxiety, depression, and distress but were largely based on non-representative samples recruited via social media. This study assessed the psychological impact of COVID-19 on 6,700 Italian individuals selected to be representative by age, gender, and geography. Using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ), we found higher depressive symptom scores among females, younger adults, individuals experiencing professional uncertainty or lower socioeconomic status, those living alone, those unable to leave home to work, and those with a COVID-19 case within the family. Region of residence was not a significant predictor. Findings underscore the need to address the psychological effects of COVID-19 and to provide mental health support.

Marco Delmastro, Giorgia Zamariola