The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental and psychiatric service utilization in Iran: a 7-year longitudinal study from 2017 to 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic had extensive psychological and social impacts, including increased anxiety, depression, and mental health disorders. Social restrictions and reduced access to healthcare services have further exacerbated mental health issues. This study aims to investigate the immediate and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilization patterns of mental health services in Iran in March 2017–March 2024. This study utilized longitudinal data on visits by patients with mental diso