What Is COVID Anxiety Syndrome?

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. 

How the pandemic impacts mental health

At the beginning of the pandemic, most people were on high alert, experiencing fear and worry over the impact this virus may have. As scientists and health care professionals gained more understanding of the virus and how to treat the symptoms of COVID-19, society began to settle into a new and unfamiliar routine of living with a pandemic.

Throughout this global health emergency, reactions have varied widely. Some people refused to change their behavior, while others followed the rules strictly to avoid contracting the virus. However, on a larger scale, most people experienced a sudden disruption in their lives.

Disaster situations often have the same effect.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies classify a disaster as “a sudden, catastrophic event that severely disrupts the functioning of a community or society, causing human, material, economic, or environmental losses.”

A disaster can have far-reaching consequences on mental health. According to researchTrusted Source, a disaster may precipitate PTSD, anxiety, and depression among the population. People with mental health conditions, women, children, and older adults are most at risk.

These mental health consequences of a disaster also occurred with the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistics recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source between June 24–30, 2020, show that around 40% of adults in the U.S. reported at least one adverse mental health concern, including anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation.

As more understanding of pandemic-related mental health consequences evolved, scientists identified an emerging group of anxiety-related symptoms and behaviors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. They classify this phenomenon as COVID-19 anxiety syndrome.

What Is 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.¹

COVID-19 anxiety syndrome (CAS) is defined by: 

• Compulsively checking for symptoms of covid
• Avoidance of public places
• Obsessive cleaning
• Other maladaptive behaviors 

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.²

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), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

Signs of Covid Anxiety Syndrome

CAS is characterized by severe post-lockdown anxiety and fear of reintegrating back into “normal” life surrounded by people in public spaces. For example, the idea of riding public transportation may cause enough of a concern that the activity is avoided altogether.

Other signs of Covid Anxiety Syndrome include:

• Inability to leave home due to fear of contracting COVID-19
• Obsessive cleaning
• Repeated hand washing
• Continuously checking for coronavirus symptoms
• Avoiding places with people or social gatherings

This type of mental health disorder relates to several other existing mental health conditions. These include anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The main difference is that pandemic-related stressors are the cause of Coronavirus Anxiety Syndrome and its triggers.

Personality Traits and CAS

According to U.S.-based research, Covid Anxiety Syndrome has been found to be more or less likely in people based on their personality traits. For example, consider the big five personality traits of:

• Extroversion
• Conscientiousness
• Agreeableness
• Openness
• Neuroticism

Those who exhibited extroversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness were less likely to be impacted by Covid Anxiety Syndrome. Alternatively, neuroticism is related to a higher likelihood of developing CAS.

Additionally, other influences are thought to play a role in the development of anxiety after COVID. For instance, exposure to social media and news outlets has an impact on stress and mental illness. In addition, extended isolation, inability to manage uncertainty, anxiety about health, and concern over access to medical care may also be contributors to heightened fear of COVID.

It is important to emphasize that fear regarding a dangerous virus and anxiety about a pandemic is normal. It is the reaction to the fear that creates obsessive, life-altering behaviors that are associated with Covid Anxiety Syndrome

When Do Anxious Feelings Move Past “Normal”? 

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

• Do my responses align with the potential risk or threat of danger?
• Do my loved ones express concern for my level of worry, fear, and avoidance?
• Am I obeying local guidelines to avoid exposing myself to COVID, like practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and washing my hands? Or do I go out of my way to avoid people and situations when it isn’t necessary?

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

How to Manage Symptoms of Covid Anxiety

If you feel like you’ve been affected by an unmanageable level of COVID stress there are a few things you can do. For example:

• Continue with safety measures. The CDC still recommends indoor masking, and following reasonable guidelines can keep you safe while giving you peace of mind.
• Reintegrate slowly. Consider gradual attempts of reintegrating into more normal life patterns.
• Avoid social media and news outlets. Staying informed on your local transmission rates is important. But at a certain point, you may start scaring yourself rather than learning new information. Try to stick with factual, evidence-based sources like the CDC and limit your exposure to COVID-related media.
• Consider counseling. Covid Anxiety Syndrome alone is a serious mental health concern. However, it can also be a part of something other mental health disorders and lead to more significant issues involving anxiety and depression.

Fortunately, behavioral therapy has many treatment options for addressing anxiety disorders. In short, many of these therapies revolve around gradually working through anxiety triggers. In addition, reframing negative thought patterns that support anxiety has also proven useful.

Treatment for Covid Anxiety Syndrome & Related Disorders

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.