Key Finding
Anxiety and depression were the most common psychological problems during COVID-19, with GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales proving most effective for screening these conditions.
This research study analyzed over 8,800 published articles about mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify the most common psychological problems and vulnerable populations. Researchers from universities worldwide, led by institutions in the United States and United Kingdom, examined scientific publications from 2019 to 2021 to map out mental health trends during the pandemic. The study found that anxiety and depression were the most widespread psychological issues people experienced during COVID-19, with insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) emerging as ongoing concerns as the pandemic continued. Healthcare workers, older adults, and college students were identified as particularly vulnerable groups requiring mental health support. The research highlighted that two specific screening tools—the GAD-7 scale for anxiety and the PHQ-9 scale for depression—proved to be the most convenient and effective for identifying these conditions. The study emphasized that social and family support plays an essential role in protecting mental health during public health crises. For patients experiencing anxiety, depression, or insomnia related to pandemic stress or other causes, acupuncture may offer a complementary treatment option alongside conventional mental health care. Research has shown acupuncture can help regulate stress responses and improve sleep quality. If you're considering acupuncture for mental health concerns, seek a qualified, licensed acupuncturist with experience treating emotional and psychological conditions.
This bibliometric analysis examined 8,856 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (2019-2021) using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software to map mental health research trends during COVID-19. The study identified 10,559 research institutes across 1,407 journals, with the United States (2,190 publications) and University of London (373 publications) leading contributions. Co-citation analysis revealed anxiety and depression as predominant psychological presentations, with insomnia and PTSD emerging as significant concerns during pandemic normalization. GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales were identified as optimal screening instruments for anxiety and depression respectively. Priority populations include healthcare workers, older adults, and college students. Clinical takeaway: The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia during prolonged stress periods supports the integration of acupuncture protocols targeting HT-7, PC-6, GV-20, and auricular points for mental health presentations, particularly for patients seeking non-pharmacological interventions or experiencing treatment resistance to conventional approaches.
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