Cited by 296Mental Health Treatment and AccessHealth and Well-being StudiesAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life—A Systematic Review of Evidence from Longitudinal Observational Studies

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Hohls, Johanna Katharina, König, Hans-Helmut, Quirke, Eleanor, Hajek, André·2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Abstract

This review aimed to systematically review observational studies investigating the longitudinal association between anxiety, depression and quality of life (QoL). A systematic search of five electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX, NHS EED and EconLit) as well as forward/backward reference searches were conducted to identify observational studies on the longitudinal association between anxiety, depression and QoL. Studies were synthesized narratively. Additionally, a random-effects meta-analysis was performed using studies applying the mental and physical summary scores (MCS, PCS) of the Short Form Health Survey. The review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO and a study protocol was published. n = 47 studies on heterogeneous research questions were included, with sample sizes ranging from n = 28 to 43,093. Narrative synthesis indicated that QoL was reduced before disorder onset, dropped further during the disorder and improved with remission. Before onset and after remission, QoL was lower in comparison to healthy comparisons. n = 8 studies were included in random-effects meta-analyses. The pooled estimates of QoL at follow-up (FU) were of small to large effect sizes and showed that QoL at FU differed by disorder status at baseline as well as by disorder course over time. Disorder course groups differed in their MCS scores at baseline. Effect sizes were generally larger for MCS relative to PCS. The results highlight the relevance of preventive measures and treatment. Future research should consider individual QoL domains, individual anxiety/depressive disorders as well as the course of both over time to allow more differentiated statements in a meta-analysis.

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  1. [40]Ravens-Sieberer U. Klasen F. Bichmann H. Otto C. Quitmann J. Bullinger M. Assessment of health-related quality of life in children and adolescents Das Gesundh. 2013 75 667 678 24129907
  2. [43]Lipsey M.W. Wilson D.-B. Practical Meta-Analysis SAGE Thousand Oaks, CA, USA 2009 Volume 49

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Authors
Hohls, J. K., König, H.-H., Quirke, E., & Hajek, A.
Affiliations
University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (DE)
Corresponding author
Hajek, André
Venue
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2021-11-16
Volume
18
Issue
22
Pages
12022
ISSN
1660-4601 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3213950460
Cited by
296
References
94
Citations by year
2026: 67 · 2025: 98 · 2024: 67 · 2023: 42 · 2022: 22
FWCI
5.15
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • University of Exeter
  • Universität Hamburg
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Health and Well-being Studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
Keywords
anxiety disorders, depression, quality of life, longitudinal associations, remission, mental health, physical health, Short Form Health Survey, preventive measures
MeSH terms
Anxiety, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Humans, Longitudinal Studies, Quality of Life

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