Changes in PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland

•A greater proportion of Irish adults satisfied diagnostic criteria for PTSD during the COVID-19 pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period.•Increases in PTSD were most evident in males, those aged 18–34 years, those without a university qualification, and those living in the Leinster region of Ireland.•There were no significant changes in rates of depression and generalized anxiety disorder during the pandemic period or compared to the pre-pandemic period.