A cohort study of Covid-19 test positive and negative patients to detect and provide early treatment for mental health disorders

There has been ample speculation about how the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown may affect mental health. This proposal aims to screen patients who have been infected with Covid-19 to see how many experience symptoms of mental illness 1 year after testing compared to individuals who tested negative. Participants will complete measures of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, quality of life, and cognitive skills. They will complete these assessments at 6, 9 and 12 months after their first test. Using this study, we hope to better understand the prevalence and nature of mental illness that occurs during and after this global pandemic. Results from this study will also provide information for prevention, screening programmes and service delivery for mental health disorders during COVID-19 so that access can be matched to highest needs