Confinamiento y salud mental: análisis del impacto en una muestra de 194 pacientes de psiquiatría del niño y del adolescente

Introduction and objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has sown a feeling of fear and uncertainty throughout the world, generating emotional distress that could favor the appearance of mental illnesses. Minors are a more vulnerable group based on their age, studies, pre-existing mental illness, family finances or close relatives affected by COVID-19. This article aims to highlight the emotional and psychological impact on minors in the eastern area of Valladolid during the lockdown for COVID-19.

Methods

194 parents were interviewed by telephone survey from April 20 to May 15, 2020, providing information about the effects of quarantine on minors.

Results

50% of the participants were diagnosed with hyperkinetic disorders. The clinical situation of the minors remained unremarkable in 51.4% (rigid period of lockdown) and 47.4% (flexible period). 11% of patients used electronic devices >8h a day during flexibilization, compared to 3.9% during the rigid period. Regarding biological rhythms, up to 34% of patients (rigid period) and 40.7% (flexible period) went to bed after midnight. 25.2% of the patients during the rigid period confirmed an increase in appetite. Only 2.58% of minors expressed high concern about COVID-19.

Conclusion

Lockdown due to COVID-19 has involved a global impact on minors. In general terms, the parents perceived a greater impact on the emotional and behavioral state of their children during the rigid period, without objectifying major changes after the flexibilization of lockdown.