Early impact of COVID-19 quarantine on the perceived change of anxiety symptoms in a non-clinical, non-infected Italian sample

Background In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a national lockdown and quarantine in Italy. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived change in anxiety levels and its predictors in a non-clinical, noninfected, home-quarantined Italian sample in the very first weeks of the lockdown. Methods Online survey data on perceived change in anxiety symptoms since the beginning of the lockdown, health anxiety, social anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive symptomatology before the lockdown, and background information were anonymously collected between March 26 and April 9 2020 on 660 Italian participants. Results Overall, participants reported a substantial increase of anxiety levels. Women reported more increased levels of anxiety symptoms than men. Increase of anxiety was also predicted by higher pre-existing levels of health anxiety and lower socio-economic status. Having lost the job was not associated with a perceived change in anxiety levels. Limitations Crosssectional design; sample of mostly female, young, highly educated, and not infected participants; use of self-report measures. Conclusions The results suggest the need to address mental health issues as a core element of the response to a pandemic, in order to prevent long-term social, psychological, and economic costs to society