OBJECTIVE

The results of the analysis of psychopathological symptom dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia are presented.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study uses the data of the Internet survey, which included a block of sociodemographic questions and the SCL-90-R symptomatic questionnaire. Nine hundred and eight responses received from 22.03.20 to 22.06.20 were analysed. The change in the responses over time was assessed: 3 periods of time were allocated, associated with the change in countermeasures to the pandemic in Russia. In addition, the change in the values of the SCL-90 parameters was assessed depending on the existence of respondent’s acquaintances infected with the coronavirus.

RESULTS

It was shown that SCL-90 symptoms (Somatization, Depression, Obsession, all integral parameters, including the Global Severity Index) increased from 22.03.20 to 22.06.20. With infected people appearing in the respondent’s environment psychopathological symptoms increase. The growth of hostility, sensitivity and anxiety is associated with a personal experience of a danger of the pandemic, which intensifies when infected persons appear in the immediate environment.

CONCLUSION

The increase in psychopathological symptoms after the mitigation or cancellation of the quarantine restrictions suggests the persistence of long-term consequences.