Research & Resources

This study evaluated relationships of loneliness with depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and drug use during COVID-19, and assessed perceived increases in these symptoms in young adults. Between April 22 and May 11, 2020, 1,008 participants ages 18–35 completed an online anonymous survey. Forty-nine percent of respondents reported loneliness scores above 50 (score range: 20-80), 80% reported significant depressive symptoms, 61% reported moderate to severe anxiety, and 30% disclosed harmful levels of drinking. Participants reported significant increases across mental health and substance use symptoms since COVID-19 began. 

The paper, Loneliness, Mental Health, and Substance Use among US Young Adults during COVID-19, was funded by the National Institutes of Health. It was published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.