Adverse Childhood Experience and Vulnerability to Mood and Anxiety Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had a global impact on mental health. Identification of individuals at higher or lower risk of mental health issues may assist with targeting prevention, support and treatment efforts during future pandemics. Using a Canadian national mental health survey that collected data (March 2022 – December 2022) during the pandemic period, this study examined vulnerability of participants reporting exposure to child abuse or neglect by examining the risk of mood, anxiety and substance use disorders over a one year period. Psychiatric disorders were identified using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Because childhood adversities are well-known risk factors for mental disorders, the analysis focused on interactions between childhood adversities and pandemic stressors by estimating the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). RERIs provide evidence of synergy based on the occurrence of greater than additive interactions. Evidence of synergy was consistently found between physical and sexual abuse and mood and anxiety disorders. There was no such evidence for substance use disorders. Childhood adversities increase vulnerability to stressors and may be useful for identification of individuals with greater mental health needs during public health emergencies.