Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with current and prior depression: initial findings from the longitudinal Texas RAD study.

Abstract Background Emerging work has suggested worsening mental health in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is minimal data on individuals with a prior history of depression. Methods Data regarding depression, anxiety and quality of life in adult participants with a history of a depressive disorder (n = 308) were collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mixed effects regression models were fit for these outcomes over the period May – August 2020, controlling for pre-pandemic depressive groups (none, mild, moderate-to-severe), demographic characteristics, and early COVID-19 related experiences (such as disruptions in routines, mental health treatment, and social supports). Results In pre-to-early pandemic comparisons, the 3 pre-pandemic depressive categories varied significantly in anxiety (Fdf=2,197 = 7.93, p Limitations Follow-up data were self-reported. Furthermore, the duration was a relatively short span into the pandemic. Conclusions Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and quality of life were generally stable from 2019 throughout August 2020 in adults with a history of depression. Disruption in mental health care access and routines in May 2020 predicted worse symptom outcomes through August 2020.