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A Perfect Storm? Health Anxiety, Contamination Fears, and COVID-19: Lessons Learned from Past Pandemics and Current
Danielle Dennis1,2, Cynthia Radnitz1, Michael G Wheaton2
1Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ USA.
International Journal of Cognitive Therapy
|April 28, 2021
Summary
Pandemics like COVID-19 can cause excessive anxiety, especially for those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and health anxiety. Past outbreaks offer insights into managing pandemic-related psychological distress.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread anxiety, impacting mental health globally.
- Previous research on anxiety during disease outbreaks (Swine Flu, Zika, Ebola) provides a framework for understanding COVID-19 related psychological responses.
- Certain individuals, particularly those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and health anxiety, are more vulnerable to excessive pandemic-related anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing research on anxiety during past pandemics to inform expectations for COVID-19.
- To identify cognitive, transdiagnostic, social, and environmental factors contributing to excessive pandemic anxiety.
- To discuss the unique aspects of COVID-19 and their potential impact on individuals with OCD and health anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of research studies examining psychological responses to previous disease outbreaks.
- Analysis of cognitive variables (obsessive beliefs, contamination cognitions) and transdiagnostic processes (disgust sensitivity, anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty).
- Consideration of social, environmental, and media consumption factors in relation to pandemic anxiety.
Main Results:
- Belief-based cognitive variables, transdiagnostic processes, social factors, and environmental variables were identified as contributors to excessive anxiety during past pandemics.
- The unique characteristics of COVID-19 (severity, transmissibility, behavioral responses) may exacerbate anxiety, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- A diathesis-stress model framework is proposed to explain heightened vulnerability to COVID-19 anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Understanding factors contributing to anxiety during past pandemics is crucial for addressing COVID-19 related psychological distress.
- Individuals with OCD and health anxiety may experience disproportionate effects due to COVID-19's unique features.
- Clinical and research attention is needed to support mental health professionals in managing pandemic-related anxiety crises.
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