The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Adult Mental Health

Abstract

Background Lockdowns and restrictions were introduced worldwide by governments in 2020 and 2021 in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19. Lockdowns restricted the movement of people, whereby they could only leave their homes for essential reasons. There is yet to be a systematic review that integrates existing quantitative literature on the impact of lockdowns on mental health globally. Aim The purpose of the current study was to assess and synthesise current quantitative research on the global impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and isolation restrictions on adult mental wellbeing. The target group was adults aged 18 years and over internationally. Method Findings from 16 quantitative cross-sectional surveys and questionnaire studies from peer-reviewed journals were synthesised in this systematic literature review. Results Themes that emerged from the findings included increased depression, anxiety symptoms, and stress, and reduced social interaction and sleep quality. Conclusion The impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on mental health was evident through the shared experiences of insomnia, loneliness, physiological changes, and reduced sleep quality. An increased prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was common in younger adults and more so in women than men.