Washington [US], June 4 (ANI): With the implementation of several restrictions, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has somehow managed to alter the drinking habits among young adults, suggested a new study.
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HAMILTON, ON (June 3, 2021) - A novel longitudinal study on heavy drinking in young adults and the psychological impacts of COVID-19 has revealed some unexpected findings that challenge preconceived notions regarding pandemic-related alcohol use.
In a sample of nearly 500 young adults ranging in age from 18 to 25, researchers saw a reduction in problematic drinking and alcohol consequences during the initial phase of the pandemic for both men and women. This is in contrast to many anecdotal reports of increased drinking and increased household spending on alcohol during that time period.
More startling, however, were the additional findings that showed increased rates of depression and anxiety symptoms among young women - increases that were not observed to a significant degree among male participants.
Researchers highlight the need for more reliable methods to predict risk of relapse into depression
At least half of patients recovering from depression will experience a relapse, but there are currently no evidence-based tools to help GPs or other healthcare professionals to identify those at high risk.
A team of researchers are therefore calling for more reliable methods for predicting which patients areat high risk of relapsing into depression following a period of recovery.
The team,including researchers from Keele University s School of Medicine,the University of York, and the Hull York Medical School carried out a Cochrane review of all available evidence which aimed to develop prediction tools. The work was funded by a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Doctoral Research Fellowship, held by lead author Dr Andrew Moriarty from the University of York.