ICFHS researchers co-lead review of global trends in anxiety and depression related to the COVID-19

ICFHS Foundation Director Professor Michael Kidd AO, Adjunct Professor Karen Tu, and associate member Anthony Sunjaya have joined with colleagues from around the world in a study examining how primary care responded to mental health needs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, published in The Lancet Primary Care, analysed over one billion visits across 11 countries from 2018 to 2023, revealing a sharp rise in anxiety- and depression-related consultations during the pandemic, with rates remaining elevated in the recovery period.  The research indicates that women and younger adults were most affected, though older adults also showed significant increases. The findings highlight the critical role of primary care in mental health management and call for sustained investment in workforce capacity and tailored interventions to meet ongoing and crisis-related needs.