scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic: Increased risk for psychopathology in Children and Adolescents?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Via ◽  
Xavier Estrada-Prat ◽  
Jordina Tor ◽  
Carles Virgili ◽  
Marina Fàbrega ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Multiple Stressors ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Baseline Measure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Mental Health History

Abstract COVID-19 pandemic is prompting multiple stressors -including control strategies such as lockdown- which may impact child and adolescent mental health. 1,529 caregivers answered an online questionnaire about emotional and behavioral symptoms of youths (4-18 years old) using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC). Percentage of above-the-risk-threshold PSC scores (PSC+) were compared with a baseline measure. Associations between lockdown PSC scores and selected variables were evaluated using a linear regression analysis. PSC+ significatively increased from 13% to 34.7%, baseline to lockdown, mostly driven by depression and anxiety symptoms and with greater risk at younger ages. Youths’ and parents’ positive mental health history additionally increased this risk. In children, caregivers’ stress and depression was the stronger predictor of lockdown PSC scores; in adolescents it was the coping style. These findings suggest a significant mental health impact on children and adolescents associated with COVID-19 pandemic response. Younger ages should be closely monitored.

scholarly journals Sleep quality and anxiety symptoms in Egyptian children and adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amira Sayed El Refay ◽  
Shaimaa A. Hashem ◽  
Hend H. Mostafa ◽  
Iman H. Kamel ◽  
Lobna S. Sherif
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Egyptian Children

Abstract Background Coronavirus Disease Pandemic 2019 has a pervasive effect on all health aspects include psychological and mental health. This study aimed to assess the hidden stressful impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Egyptian children and adolescents’ lifestyles 2 months after lockdown in Egypt by detecting symptoms of anxiety and sleep disorders. Online questionnaire was used by snowball sampling approach 2 months after lockdown targeting children and adolescents. Results The overall mean Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children score (SDSC) in participated groups was 44.6 ± 11.72. Of 765 participants 502 (65.6%) showed the symptoms suggestive of sleep disorder. Disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep were the most common among participants as 168 (33.4%) of them were suffering from it while 79 (15.7%) children were suffering from excessive somnolence. Linear stepwise regression revealed that anxiety score, understanding safety measures, and following strict quarantine measures significantly predicted SDSC (p = 0.001, 0.009, 0.046). Significant positive correlations were found between SDSC and extra screen usage, understanding safety and quarantine measures, anxiety signs, and change in child lifestyle with (p = 0.029, 0.010, 0.001 and 0.001) sequentially. Significant positive correlation was found between family income affection, SDSC, and anxiety with p value (00.001, 00.4). Conclusion Child deprived of his or her normal lifestyle is vulnerable to develop anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbances. Low income, extra screen time, and restricted quarantine measures are all contributing factors that influence children and adolescent’s mental health.

scholarly journals Stress-related emotional and behavioural impact following the first COVID-19 outbreak peak

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asaf Benjamin ◽  
Yael Kuperman ◽  
Noa Eren ◽  
Ron Rotkopf ◽  
Maya Amitai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Distress Symptoms ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Physiological Symptoms ◽  
Individual Ability ◽  
And Coping

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic poses multiple psychologically stressful challenges and is associated with an increased risk for mental illness. Previous studies have focused on the psychopathological symptoms associated with the outbreak peak. Here, we examined the behavioural and mental-health impact of the pandemic in Israel using an online survey, during the six weeks encompassing the end of the first outbreak and the beginning of the second. We used clinically validated instruments to assess anxiety- and depression-related emotional distress, symptoms, and coping strategies, as well as questions designed to specifically assess COVID-19-related concerns. Higher emotional burden was associated with being female, younger, unemployed, living in high socioeconomic status localities, having prior medical conditions, encountering more people, and experiencing physiological symptoms. Our findings highlight the environmental context and its importance in understanding individual ability to cope with the long-term stressful challenges of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Mental health problems of children and adolescents, with and without migration background, living in Vienna, Austria

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Teresa Gutmann ◽  
Metin Aysel ◽  
Zeliha Özlü-Erkilic ◽  
Christian Popow ◽  
Türkan Akkaya-Kalayci
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Migration Background ◽  
Migrant Children ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Related Stress

Abstract Background Compared to their indigenous peers, migrant children and adolescents are at increased risk for mental health problems. The aim of our study was to compare psychological disorders of children and adolescents with Turkish migration background and their native Austrian peers. Methods We analysed 302 children and adolescents aged between 7 and 18 years. The sample consisted of 100 Austrian and 100 Turkish outpatients with mental health problems, and 102 healthy controls, 52 with Austrian and 50 with Turkish background, recruited from various Viennese local child and youth centres. Results Native patients had more frequently externalizing problems (42.1%) compared to the Turkish-speaking sample (28%). However, in the control group, Turkish-speaking children and adolescents had higher levels of internalizing, depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to their native peers. Conclusions We found noticeable differences in psychological problems among children and adolescents with and without migration background. We assume that migration-related stress factors are responsible for these differences. Also, children and adolescents with migration background seek for psychological help less frequently than their indigenous peers.

scholarly journals Depressive symptoms among Peruvian adult residents amidst a National Lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel A. Antiporta ◽  
Yuri L. Cutipé ◽  
Maria Mendoza ◽  
David D. Celentano ◽  
Elizabeth A. Stuart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Mental Health Diagnosis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Diagnosis

Abstract Background Population health and well-being in Latin America, the current epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been severely affected during the past semester. Despite the growing evidence about the link between the pandemic, its control measures, and mental health worldwide, there is still no regional evidence of the potential mental health impact. We describe the prevalence and distribution of depressive symptoms across demographic and socioeconomic risk factors in the Peruvian population amidst a national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted during the community transmission phase and national lockdown in Peru (May 4th–16th, 2020). We recorded 64,493 responses from adult Peruvian residents through an opt-in online questionnaire. All analyses were weighted using raking based on proportions of sociodemographic variables from the last Peruvian census in 2017. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was calculated using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score of 10 or more. We identified associated demographic and socioeconomic factors by prior mental health diagnosis. Sensitivity analysis considered an alternative cut-off point for depressive symptoms of PHQ-9 ≥ 14. Results A total of 57,446 participants were included in the analytical sample. A third of the participants (n = 23,526, unweighted) showed depressive symptoms in the 2 weeks prior to the study. Participants who reported a previous mental health diagnosis doubled the sample prevalence of depressive symptoms (59, 95%CI 56.7, 61.4%) of those without a prior diagnosis. Psychosocial and functioning reactions were largely more prevalent among females and young adults. A dose-response relationship was found between household income and depressive symptoms across previous mental health diagnosis strata, being as low as 32% less in the wealthiest than the most impoverished group (PR: 0.68, 95%CI 0.58,0.79). Other critical factors associated with a higher burden of depressive symptoms were lower education level, single, unemployed, and chronic comorbidity. Conclusions An increased burden of depressive symptoms and psychosocial reactions has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru compared to previous years. The mental health burden disproportionately affects women, the younger population, and those with low income and education. As the country eases the social distancing measures, it is crucial to use local evidence to adjust public health policies and mental health services to the renewed population needs.

scholarly journals Management of mental health disorders and central nervous system sequelae in HIV-positive children and adolescents

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 81-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Nassen ◽  
K Donald ◽  
K Walker ◽  
S Paruk ◽  
M Vujovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Mental Health Disorders ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Disorders ◽  
The Impact

HIV-positive children and adolescents are at increased risk of both central nervous system (CNS) sequelae and mental disorders owing to a number of factors, including the impact of HIV infection on the brain, social determinants of health (e.g. poverty and orphanhood) and psychosocial stressors related to living with HIV. Every effort should be made to identify perinatally HIV-infected children and initiate them on antiretroviral therapy early in life. HIV clinicians should ideally screen for mental health and neurocognitive problems, as part of the routine monitoring of children attending antiretroviral clinics. This guideline is intended as a reference tool for HIV clinicians to support the early identification, screening and management of mental health disorders and/or CNS impairment in children and adolescents. This guideline covers mental disorders (section 1) and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (section 2) among children and adolescents.  

scholarly journals Parent-Perceived Barriers to Accessing Services for Their Child’s Mental Health Problems

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Sofie Hansen ◽  
Gry Kjærsdam Telléus ◽  
Christina Mohr-Jensen ◽  
Marlene Briciet Lauritsen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Many children and adolescents with impairing mental health disorders are not in contact with specialized child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). In order to close the service gap, it is important to increase our knowledge of barriers to access. The aim of this study was to investigate parent perceived barriers to accessing services for their child’s mental health problems to identify potential areas for improvement of access to CAMHS. Method: In this cross-sectional observational study 244 parents of children and adolescents referred to outpatient psychiatric assessment were interviewed using the Children’s services interview regarding barriers to accessing child mental health services across healthcare, educational services and social services. Parent reported barriers were analyzed in relation to the child’s age, referral reason, symptom duration and impairment of the child. Results: The most commonly reported barriers were lack of information about were to seek help (60.3%), the perception that professionals did not listen (59.8%) and professionals refusing to initiate interventions or provide referral to services (53.7%). Lack of knowledge, stigmatization and unavailability of services were common themes across barriers to help-seeking. Long symptom duration and parent rated impairment was associated with increased risk of reporting several barriers to help-seeking. Conclusion: Parents seeking help for their child’s mental health encounter numerous barriers that could explain part of the treatment gap and long duration of mental health problems in children prior to referral to CAMHS.

scholarly journals Parent-perceived barriers to accessing services for their child’s mental health problems.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Sofie Hansen ◽  
Gry Kjaersdam Telléus ◽  
Christina Mohr-Jensen ◽  
Marlene Briciet Lauritsen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Many children and adolescents with impairing mental health disorders are not in contact with specialized child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). In order to close the service gap, it is important to increase our knowledge of barriers to access. The aim of this study was to investigate parent perceived barriers to accessing services for their child’s mental health problems to identify potential areas for improvement of access to CAMHS. Method In this cross-sectional observational study 244 parents of children and adolescents referred to outpatient psychiatric assessment were interviewed using the Children’s services interview regarding barriers to accessing child mental health services across healthcare, educational services and social services. Parent reported barriers were analyzed in relation to the child’s age, referral reason, symptom duration and impairment of the child. Results The most commonly reported barriers were lack of information about were to seek help (60.3%), the perception that professionals did not listen (59.8%) and professionals refusing to initiate interventions or provide referral to services (53.7%). Lack of knowledge, stigmatization and unavailability of services were common themes across barriers to help-seeking. Long symptom duration and parent rated impairment was associated with increased risk of reporting several barriers to help-seeking.Conclusion Parents seeking help for their child’s mental health encounter numerous barriers that could explain part of the treatment gap and long duration of mental health problems in children prior to referral to CAMHS.

scholarly journals Parent-perceived barriers to accessing services for their child’s mental health problems.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Sofie Hansen ◽  
Gry Kjaersdam Telléus ◽  
Christina Mohr-Jensen ◽  
Marlene Briciet Lauritsen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Many children and adolescents with impairing mental health disorders are not in contact with specialized child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). In order to close the service gap, it is important to increase our knowledge of barriers to access. The aim of this study was to investigate parent perceived barriers to accessing services for their child’s mental health problems to identify potential areas for improvement of access to CAMHS. Method: In this cross-sectional observational study 244 parents of children and adolescents referred to outpatient psychiatric assessment were interviewed using the Children’s services interview regarding barriers to accessing child mental health services across healthcare, educational services and social services. Parent reported barriers were analyzed in relation to the child’s age, referral reason, symptom duration and impairment of the child. Results: The most commonly reported barriers were lack of information about were to seek help (60.3%), the perception that professionals did not listen (59.8%) and professionals refusing to initiate interventions or provide referral to services (53.7%). Lack of knowledge, stigmatization and unavailability of services were common themes across barriers to help-seeking. Long symptom duration and parent rated impairment was associated with increased risk of reporting several barriers to help-seeking. Conclusion: Parents seeking help for their child’s mental health encounter numerous barriers that could explain part of the treatment gap and long duration of mental health problems in children prior to referral to CAMHS.

scholarly journals A longitudinal cohort study investigating inadequate preparation and death and dying in nursing students: Implications for the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Galvin ◽  
Gareth Richards ◽  
Andrew P Smith
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort Study ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Time Point

Aims and objectivesTo investigate how changes in the levels of preparedness and experiences of death and dying influence nursing students’ mental health. BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is likely to cause significant trauma in the nursing population. The lack of preparation, in combination with a substantial loss of life, may have implications for the longer-term mental health of the nursing workforce. Nursing students have, in many cases, been an important part of the emergency response.DesignA longitudinal cohort study was conducted with data collected at two time points. There was a seven-month time period between data collection.MethodsParticipants completed paper-based questionnaires measuring demographics, academic stressors, clinical stressors, and mental health. 358 nursing students at time point one and 347 at time point two (97% retention) completed the survey.ResultsInadequate preparation (OR: 1.783) and the inadequate preparation x death and dying interaction term (OR: 4.115) significantly increased risk of mental health problems over time. Increased death and dying alone did not increase mental health risk. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that it is not the increase in death and dying per se that causes mental health difficulties, but that it is instead the experience of high levels of death and dying in combination with inadequate preparation. The data are considered within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with both inadequate preparation and the scale of death and dying being two significant stressors during the emergency period. Relevance to Clinical PracticeThis paper is an initial indication of the potential longer-term mental health impact of COVID-19 for nursing students.

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