IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: A REVIEW

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The unpredictability of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the socioeconomic dynamics around the world. Preliminary findings suggest that the entire context of the pandemic increases the risk of psychological problems. The child population, although less studied, is also vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic. This review brings together the studies published in 2020 aiming to assess the impact of the pandemic on the child population. METHODS: A total of 15 studies that evaluated the mental health of subjects under 18 years old during the pandemic of COVID-19 were selected and analyzed. RESULTS: There is an increase in anxious and depressive symptoms in the child population and in their caregivers with quarantine, with a high risk of progressing to mental disorders. However, there is no way to assess the prevalence of mental disorders in this population due to the studies being conducted using online questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Health professionals must be alert to the possible presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms secondary to social isolation, especially in children with chronic diseases or in situations of vulnerability. Future studies are needed to determine the prevalence, risk, and possible treatments for stress-related illnesses.