Hopes and fears: emerging adults in mood and anxiety disorder treatment predict outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic

Active patients at The First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program (FEMAP) were asked to participate in a study monitoring their symptoms during early COVID-19 closures. Participants were asked to predict both possible positive and feared outcomes of the pandemic. Responses were analyzed with a descriptive qualitative approach using thematic analysis. Primary feared outcomes included death, prolonged pandemic impacts, and concerns about employment, mental health, and education. Prevalent positive predictions included a new perspective, improved relationships, personal growth, and environmental improvement. These findings suggest the complex relationship between fear and hope for young people in the early stages of the pandemic. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Social Work in Mental Health is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)