COVID-19 lockdown has altered the dynamics between affective symptoms and social isolation among older adults: results from a longitudinal network analysis

Abstract The COVID-19 lockdown has drastically limited social interactions and brought about a climate of fear uncertainty. These circumstances not only increased affective symptoms isolation among community dwelling older adults but also alter the dynamics between them. Using network analyses, we study changes in these before during lockdown. Community-dwelling (N = 419) completed questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, isolation, pandemic, as part cohort study, period. total scores were compared across time. For partial correlation networks constructed using items nodes, separately at both timepoints. Changes edges, well nodal bridge centrality examined Depression anxiety symptoms, had significantly Significant observed time on several edges. Greater connectivity nodes was observed. have become more tightly coupled individuals, so symptoms. slightly decoupled from those anxiety. changing reflect greater influence individuals an vulnerability to disorders. findings provide novel perspectives translational implications mental health context amidst pandemic situation.