How to Deal With COVID Anxiety Syndrome

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Covid Anxiety Syndrome?SignsCausesHow to CopeTreatment

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is Covid Anxiety Syndrome?

Signs

Causes

How to Cope

Treatment

As lockdowns and restrictions relax in several locations globally, some people are finding it challenging to get back to “normal” life. Going back out and mingling with other people is a concept that’s causing an uptick in fear and anxiety.

Do You Have Covid Anxiety Syndrome?

Most of us were on high alert initially, experiencing fear and worry over the impact this virus may have. However, researchers have noticed that people were developing a particular set of traits on a larger scale.

Despite vaccines being distributed and an overall decrease in COVID prevalence, some people are starting to experience what experts call COVID-19 anxiety syndrome.

Researchers have now raised concern that obsessive distress and avoidance behaviors, such as being resistant to taking public transportation or bleaching your home for hours, will not subside quickly, even as COVID is controlled.

Data from June 2020 (from about 500 participants) found that CAS predicted generalized anxiety and depression levels above other factors like personality traits and general health anxiety.

The same researchers have gathered preliminary data from self-reported surveys of nearly 300 adults in the UK, proposing that CAS was a single predictor of generalized anxiety and depressive symptoms throughout the pandemic.

Symptoms of this syndrome imitate those of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety,post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), andobsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Signs of COVID Anxiety Syndrome

Here are a few signs you may be experiencing CAS and may benefit from additional help and support:

It’s been noted that people with this anxiety syndrome experience increased post-traumatic stress, general stress, anxiety, health anxiety, and in some cases,suicidal ideation.

Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you’re worried that you may be struggling with CAS or another anxiety disorder, ask yourself the following questions:

If you find that your anxiety levels do not match any potential threats, it might be time to seek help from a professional.

What You Can Do to Cope With Anxiety

Causes of Covid Anxiety Syndrome

Researcherssuggest that, for some, isolation, fear of contracting COVID-19, and uncertainty throughout the pandemic may have pointed to the group of symptoms that make up CAS.

They also suspect that“Big 5” personality traitscan play a role in its evolution. Those with a high level of neuroticism may possess a greater chance of developing CAS. In contrast, those who are highly extroverted, agreeable, and open may have a lower risk.

Additionally, those with obsessive-compulsive disorder may also be more at risk, as COVID-19 concerns may amplify the condition. Researchers expect there to be groups of people (vaccinated or not) continuously worrying about COVID and avoiding anything that may increase their risk. However, research is only in the early stages, and various complex factors need to be considered.

Other Contributing Factors

Below are some other contributing factors that may lead to CAS:

The Social Media and Mental Health Connection

There are several ways to cope with and manage symptoms of COVID anxiety syndrome:

Get Advice From The Verywell Mind Podcast

Treatment for Covid Anxiety Syndrome

Experts say that it’s essential to identify this syndrome and find ways of treating and preventing it. Otherwise, it can lead to a more significant issue. If you feel that your symptoms of COVID anxiety syndrome are lasting longer than a couple of weeks, or have started interfering with your day-to-day life,reach out to a therapist or counselor either in-office or online.

Behavioral therapy and medications for treating anxiety or depression can also help those experiencing significant difficulties with this unique and evolving mental health condition.

If you or a loved one are struggling with [condition name], contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

A Word From Verywell

Remember that severe anxiety usually doesn’t disappear on its own, and therapy and appropriate medications can help you address the anxiety and live your life to the fullest.

2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Nikčević AV, Spada MM.The COVID-19 anxiety syndrome scale: Development and psychometric properties.Psychiatry Res. 2020;292:113322. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113322Smith LE, Mottershaw AL, Egan M, Waller J, Marteau TM, Rubin GJ.The impact of believing you have had COVID-19 on self-reported behaviour: Cross-sectional survey [published correction appears in PLoS One. 2021 Feb 25;16(2):e0248076].PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0240399. Published 2020 Nov 4. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0240399

2 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Nikčević AV, Spada MM.The COVID-19 anxiety syndrome scale: Development and psychometric properties.Psychiatry Res. 2020;292:113322. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113322Smith LE, Mottershaw AL, Egan M, Waller J, Marteau TM, Rubin GJ.The impact of believing you have had COVID-19 on self-reported behaviour: Cross-sectional survey [published correction appears in PLoS One. 2021 Feb 25;16(2):e0248076].PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0240399. Published 2020 Nov 4. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0240399

Nikčević AV, Spada MM.The COVID-19 anxiety syndrome scale: Development and psychometric properties.Psychiatry Res. 2020;292:113322. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113322Smith LE, Mottershaw AL, Egan M, Waller J, Marteau TM, Rubin GJ.The impact of believing you have had COVID-19 on self-reported behaviour: Cross-sectional survey [published correction appears in PLoS One. 2021 Feb 25;16(2):e0248076].PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0240399. Published 2020 Nov 4. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0240399

Nikčević AV, Spada MM.The COVID-19 anxiety syndrome scale: Development and psychometric properties.Psychiatry Res. 2020;292:113322. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113322

Smith LE, Mottershaw AL, Egan M, Waller J, Marteau TM, Rubin GJ.The impact of believing you have had COVID-19 on self-reported behaviour: Cross-sectional survey [published correction appears in PLoS One. 2021 Feb 25;16(2):e0248076].PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0240399. Published 2020 Nov 4. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0240399

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Do You Have Covid Anxiety Syndrome?#

Signs of COVID Anxiety Syndrome#

Causes of Covid Anxiety Syndrome#

Other Contributing Factors#

Get Advice From The Verywell Mind Podcast#

Treatment for Covid Anxiety Syndrome#

A Word From Verywell#