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Panagouli E, Stavridou A, Savvidi C, Kourti A, Psaltopoulou T, Sergentanis TN, Tsitsika A. School Performance among Children and Adolescents during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:1134. [PMID: 34943330 PMCID: PMC8700572 DOI: 10.3390/children8121134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, conventional ways of schooling were not possible, and in order to continue the educational process new digital resources, such as online learning platforms, were imposed. Although virtual courses provided high-quality educational material, the efficiency in children's and adolescents' academic performance in general is yet to be known. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine whether the academic performance of school-aged students was impacted or not through online learning and modified educational methods during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. According to the studies, either students suffered from learning losses comparing to pre-pandemic years or, in some cases, they benefited from online learning, especially in mathematics. Younger students and students with neurodevelopmental disorders or special education needs seemed to suffer more. Parents/caregivers reported that their children's performance deteriorated, while others thought that online learning was beneficial. Teachers also reported that students presented academic gaps and difficulties in mathematics and reading compared to typical years. Consequently, the new ways of schooling imposed by the restrictions have not been fully tested and the impact cannot be described thoroughly. The investment in technological equipment in schools for the majority of students, along with the training of teachers in digital competence, should be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Panagouli
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.P.); (A.S.); (C.S.); (A.K.); (T.N.S.)
| | - Androniki Stavridou
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.P.); (A.S.); (C.S.); (A.K.); (T.N.S.)
| | - Christina Savvidi
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.P.); (A.S.); (C.S.); (A.K.); (T.N.S.)
| | - Anastasia Kourti
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.P.); (A.S.); (C.S.); (A.K.); (T.N.S.)
| | - Theodora Psaltopoulou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, “Alexandra” Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Theodoros N. Sergentanis
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.P.); (A.S.); (C.S.); (A.K.); (T.N.S.)
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, “Alexandra” Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Artemis Tsitsika
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.P.); (A.S.); (C.S.); (A.K.); (T.N.S.)
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Berry A, Burke T, Carr A. The impact of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic on parents of children with externalising difficulties in ireland: A longitudinal cohort study. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14941. [PMID: 34610195 PMCID: PMC8646641 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This longitudinal cohort study aimed to examine the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland on parents of children with externalising difficulties, in comparison to parents of children without such difficulties. METHOD Parents of 159 children completed online self-report measures at three time points during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic; (a) Delay and Mitigation Phase (March 2020 to May 2020), (b) Reopening of Society Phase (June 2020 to July 2020) and (c) Wave 2 Case Acceleration Phase (September 2020 to October 2020). Participants were allocated to the clinical group if they met the clinical cut off point on the Conduct or Hyperactivity/Inattention subscales of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at Time 1. RESULTS Parents of children with externalising difficulties experienced significantly higher levels of stress, lower levels of wellbeing and engaged in higher levels of avoidant-focused coping strategies longitudinally. There was a significant difference between outcomes at the different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, for stress related to parenting, personal/family stress related to the impact of the COVID-19 and type of coping strategies employed. Children with externalising difficulties, in comparison to children without externalising difficulties, showed significantly greater adjustment over time for behavioural and emotional difficulties, as reported by their parents. CONCLUSIONS Results provide important information regarding the trajectory of psychological outcomes in parents of children with externalising difficulties over the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for increased parental supports during, and after, the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Berry
- School of PsychologyUniversity College Dublin (UCD)DublinIreland
- Health Service Executive (HSE)Laois/OffalyIreland
| | - Tom Burke
- School of PsychologyUniversity College Dublin (UCD)DublinIreland
- Health Service Executive (HSE)Laois/OffalyIreland
- School of PsychologyNational University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)GalwayIreland
| | - Alan Carr
- School of PsychologyUniversity College Dublin (UCD)DublinIreland
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Döpfner M, Adam J, Habbel C, Schulte B, Schulze-Husmann K, Simons M, Heuer F, Wegner C, Bender S. [The mental burden of children, adolescents, and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic and associations with emotional and behavioral problems]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2021; 64:1522-1532. [PMID: 34751790 PMCID: PMC8576319 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-021-03455-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The infection protection measures adopted as part of the COVID-19 pandemic led to profound restrictions and changes in the social, (pre-) school, family, and leisure areas. The objective of the current study was to examine the mental burden of children and adolescents and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this study aimed to identify possible factors that influence the mental burden. MATERIALS AND METHODS The examinations were carried out between autumn 2020 and spring 2021 in a clinical sample (n = 280 patients aged 4-17 years) and a community sample (n = 1958 children and adolescents aged 4-19 years recruited via schools and preschools). Ratings of parents as well as children and adolescents via questionnaires were assessed. RESULTS Mental burden due to the corona pandemic was assessed as slightly to moderately increased across both rating perspectives and both samples. Overall, around 60 to 70% of the parents, children, and adolescents describe an increase in mental burden; in contrast, up to 12% of parents as well as children and adolescents describe relief. When comparing both samples, a slightly higher burden on children and adolescents can only be seen in the self-assessment of the clinical sample. None of the socio-demographic factors analyzed influences the mental burden statistically significant. However, low to moderate correlations between the subjectively experienced deterioration in the family and social situation and an increased level of stress is found. DISCUSSION Targeted interventions for exposed subgroups should be offered during a pandemic. Universal interventions are not indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Döpfner
- Ausbildungsinstitut für Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapie (AKiP), Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Köln, Deutschland.
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Str. 10, 50931, Köln, Deutschland.
| | - Julia Adam
- Ausbildungsinstitut für Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapie (AKiP), Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Carolina Habbel
- Ausbildungsinstitut für Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapie (AKiP), Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Birte Schulte
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Str. 10, 50931, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Karen Schulze-Husmann
- Ausbildungsinstitut für Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapie (AKiP), Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Michael Simons
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Fabiola Heuer
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Christiane Wegner
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie/Psychotherapie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Deutschland
| | - Stephan Bender
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Str. 10, 50931, Köln, Deutschland
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Valicenti-McDermott M, Rivelis E, Bernstein C, Cardin MJ. Letter to the Editor: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Youth with Developmental Disabilities. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2021; 31:697-698. [PMID: 34129384 PMCID: PMC9009763 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2021.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Valicenti-McDermott
- R.F.K. Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.,Address correspondence to: Maria Valicenti-McDermott, MD, MS, R.F.K. Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1225 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Erin Rivelis
- R.F.K. Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Carla Bernstein
- R.F.K. Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Marie Joane Cardin
- R.F.K. Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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Eichenberg C, Grossfurthner M, Andrich J, Kietaibl S, Holocher-Benetka S. [Indifferent, Responsible or Overwhelmed? An Online Survey About the Emotional State of Young Adults During the Early Phases of the Covid-19 Lockdown in Germany and Austria]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol 2021; 72:189-198. [PMID: 34820819 DOI: 10.1055/a-1591-1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the COVID 19 pandemia compliance by the population with legally established preventive measures is of utmost importance to contain the spread of the virus. It can be assumed that these prevention measures are associated with specific burdens which are managed differently by the various population groups. OBJECTIVES The survey assesses not only the general public's acceptance, concerns and burdens with regard to the prevention measures, but also the corresponding applied coping strategies depending on various socio-demographic and personality-specific factors. METHOD An online survey of N=3006 persons living in Germany and Austria during the early lockdown, by means of a self-constructured questionnaire, assesses concerns about the virus and the prevention measures taken by the governments. In addition, standardized scales were used: Stress Processing Questionnaire (SVF 78), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Insecurity-Intolerance scale (UI-18) and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS Overall, a high level of acceptance of the required prevention measures was found. However, the shown emotional reactions were differing among the various population groups: Individuals between 18 and 29 years showed significantly higher negative emotional reactions compared to all other groups. A cluster analysis of this young population group revealed five groups that differed significantly in all surveyed personality factors and showed group-specific coping profiles. DISCUSSION Younger people are often described as a particularly vulnerable group in connection with the pandemic. The present study shows, however, that the group of the young adults should not be considered as homogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Eichenberg
- Institut für Psychosomatik an der Medizinische Fakultät, Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Martin Grossfurthner
- Fakultät für Psychologie, Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Jeannine Andrich
- Fakultät für Psychologie, Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Sibylle Kietaibl
- Medizinische Fakultät, Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna und Evangelisches Krankenhaus Wien, Austria
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Korpa T, Pappa T, Chouliaras G, Sfinari A, Eleftheriades A, Katsounas M, Kanaka-Gantenbein C, Pervanidou P. Daily Behaviors, Worries and Emotions in Children and Adolescents with ADHD and Learning Difficulties during the COVID-19 Pandemic. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:children8110995. [PMID: 34828708 PMCID: PMC8617755 DOI: 10.3390/children8110995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the coronavirus crisis on behavioral and emotional parameters in children and adolescents with ADHD and Learning Difficulties. A total of 101 children, 5–18 years old, were included in the study, 63 (44 boys) of which were diagnosed with ADHD and learning difficulties (ADHD/LD) and 38 were healthy children (19 boys). The CRISIS questionnaire for parents/caregivers was used. The questionnaire was completed during the first national lockdown in Greece and the data referred to two time-points: 3 months before, and the past 2 weeks. A significant deterioration in the “Emotion/Worries (EW)” symptoms was observed during the pandemic in the control group (2.62 ± 0.16 vs. 2.83 ± 0.18, p < 0.001). No such differences were noted in the ADHD group: 3.08 ± 0.25 vs. 3.12 ± 0.29, p = 0.12. Provision of educational and activities support was related to increased EW before the crisis. In ADHD/LD children, higher parental education and child’s younger age were related to increased symptoms of EW. In the entire group, previous mental health conditions, increasing stress due to restrictions, and increased COVID-related worries were positively associated with the EW symptoms during the crisis. Less affected relations with friends and less reduction in contact with people outside the home were negatively related with EW during the crisis. The study revealed specific parameters that negatively affected the emotional and behavioral variables of children with ADHD and learning difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terpsichori Korpa
- Unit of ADHD and Learning Disorders, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “P.&A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (T.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Theodora Pappa
- First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, NKUA, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (T.P.); (C.K.-G.)
| | - Giorgos Chouliaras
- Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, NKUA, “P.&A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Anastasia Sfinari
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, NKUA, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (A.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Anna Eleftheriades
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, NKUA, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (A.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Matthaios Katsounas
- Unit of ADHD and Learning Disorders, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “P.&A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (T.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, NKUA, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (T.P.); (C.K.-G.)
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, NKUA, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (A.S.); (A.E.)
- Correspondence:
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Balaram K, Ahmed M, Marwaha R. Review of the effects of SARS-CoV2 infection and COVID-19 on common pediatric psychiatric illnesses. World J Meta-Anal 2021; 9:455-461. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v9.i5.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is a novel coronavirus strain that causes pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome along with other morbidities, collectively known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. There has been widespread discussion about the psychological impact of COVID-19 particularly on children and adolescents. There have been overarching negative effects with regards to decreased physical activity, more screen time, increasingly unhealthy diets, and irregularities in sleep/wake schedules. This, coupled with disruptions in ongoing mental health treatment and associated support structures, has caused unprecedented declines in the emotional and psychosocial wellbeing of children and adolescents. This review aims to systematically review the literature to provide a general overview of the ways in which COVID-19 has affected common psychiatric illnesses in children and adolescents. The included articles in all subsections concluded that symptoms of these common childhood psychiatric disorders have generally been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This review indicates that quarantine and the consequent isolation have had multiple significant and consistent negative implications on the mental health of children and adolescents. Our study indicates that there should be increased vigilance among providers and families to mitigate the negative psychological effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has on children with common childhood psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kripa Balaram
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University (MetroHealth), Cleveland, OH 44109, United States
| | - Masroor Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University (MetroHealth), Cleveland, OH 44109, United States
| | - Raman Marwaha
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University (MetroHealth), Cleveland, OH 44109, United States
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Gonzalez-Domenech P, Romero-Béjar JL, Gutierrez-Rojas L, Jimenez-Fernandez S, Diaz-Atienza F. Behavioural Difficulties in Children and Adolescents with Mental Disorders under Extreme Situations. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10214876. [PMID: 34768396 PMCID: PMC8584948 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2020, the Governments of many countries maintained different levels of confinement of the population due to the pandemic that produced the COVID-19. There are few studies published on the psychological impact in the child and adolescent population diagnosed with mental disorders, especially during the home confinement stage. Explanatory models based on socio-demographic and clinical variables provide an approximation to level changes in different dimensions of behavioural difficulties. A categorical-response logistic ordinal regression model, based on a cross-sectional study with 139 children and adolescents diagnosed with mental disorders is performed for each dimension under analysis. Most of the socio-demographic and clinical explanatory variables considered (24 of 26) were significant at population level for at least one of the four dimensions of behavioural difficulties (15 response variables) under analysis. Odds-ratios were interpreted to identify risk or protective factors increasing or decreasing severity in the response variable. This analysis provides useful information, making it possible to more readily anticipate critical situations due to extreme events, such as a confinement, in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Gonzalez-Domenech
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Avenida Ilustración, 60, 18016 Granada, Spain; (P.G.-D.); (L.G.-R.); (S.J.-F.); (F.D.-A.)
| | - José Luis Romero-Béjar
- Department of Statistics and Operational Research, University of Granada, Avda Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Luis Gutierrez-Rojas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Avenida Ilustración, 60, 18016 Granada, Spain; (P.G.-D.); (L.G.-R.); (S.J.-F.); (F.D.-A.)
| | - Sara Jimenez-Fernandez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Avenida Ilustración, 60, 18016 Granada, Spain; (P.G.-D.); (L.G.-R.); (S.J.-F.); (F.D.-A.)
| | - Francisco Diaz-Atienza
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Avenida Ilustración, 60, 18016 Granada, Spain; (P.G.-D.); (L.G.-R.); (S.J.-F.); (F.D.-A.)
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Matsui K, Yoshiike T, Tsuru A, Otsuki R, Nagao K, Ayabe N, Hazumi M, Utsumi T, Yamamoto K, Fukumizu M, Kuriyama K. Psychological burden of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder traits on medical workers under the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e053737. [PMID: 34670768 PMCID: PMC8529617 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There are numerous reports on the psychological burden of medical workers after the COVID-19 outbreak; however, no study has examined the influence of developmental characteristics on the mental health of medical workers. The objective of this study was to examine whether the developmental characteristics of medical workers are associated with anxiety and depression after the COVID-19 outbreak. DESIGN We conducted an online cross-sectional questionnaire survey in October 2020. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The data of 640 medical workers were analysed. The questionnaire included items on sociodemographic data, changes in their life after the COVID-19 outbreak and symptoms of depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits and autism spectrum disorder traits. MAIN OUTCOMES Depression symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7. A series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to test the effects of developmental characteristics on depression and anxiety symptoms after controlling for sociodemographic factors and changes in participants' lives after the COVID-19 outbreak. RESULTS Increases in physical and psychological burden were observed in 49.1% and 78.3% of the subjects, respectively. The results of a multiple regression analysis showed that ADHD traits were significantly associated with both depression (β=0.390, p<0.001) and anxiety (β=0.426, p<0.001). Autistic traits were significantly associated with depression (β=0.069, p<0.05) but not anxiety. Increased physical and psychological burden, being female, medical workers other than physicians and nurses, fear of COVID-19 and experience of discrimination were also significantly associated with both depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION Globally, the burden on medical workers increased. This study suggested that medical workers with higher ADHD traits may need special attention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Matsui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Yoshiike
- Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Tsuru
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rei Otsuki
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Nihon University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nagao
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoko Ayabe
- Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Regional Studies and Humanities, Akita University Graduate School of Education Faculty of Education and Human Studies, Akita, Japan
| | - Megumi Hazumi
- Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Utsumi
- Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Yamamoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michio Fukumizu
- Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
- Segawa Memorial Neurological Clinic for Children, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Kuriyama
- Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
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Emotional distress in the early stages of the COVID-19 related lockdowns depending on the severity of the pandemic and emergency measures: a comparative online-survey in Germany, Austria and Italy. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:509. [PMID: 34654389 PMCID: PMC8518266 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03505-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first wave of the COVID-19-pandemic hit different countries with varying degrees of severity, so that differences in the type and level of emergency measures were also necessary. It can be assumed that the psychological burden was higher in countries subjected to a more severe course of the pandemic (Italy) than in countries subjected to a less severe one (Germany, Austria). OBJECTIVE To investigate and contrast the wellbeing of the population in Italy, Austria, and Germany in the early phase of the first lockdown. METHOD Online survey on N = 4289 individuals. The questionnaire comprised a self-administered section, exploring the dimensions: perceived severity of COVID-19, perceived risk of disease, concerns related to COVID-19, emergency measure acceptance and emotional distress due to emergency measures; and standardized scales to record emotional state and coping: Stress-Coping-Style Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory. RESULTS The three countries displayed significant differences in all investigated dimensions (p < .001). Italian participants assessed the COVID-19 virus as much more dangerous (p < .001), but despite the prevalence of the virus, the subjective risk of disease was perceived to be lower in Italy (p < .001). This could be a positive effect of the restrictive curfews set by the government in Italy. The emergency measures were generally perceived to be very effective in all three countries, but due to the duration and the severity of the measures, the fear and stress-reaction were the strongest among Italian participants (p < .001). CONCLUSION The stricter measures in Italy prevented an application of many positive stress processing strategies, which, in turn, fostered the perpetuation of stresses and fear.
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Chu KA, Schwartz C, Towner E, Kasparian NA, Callaghan B. Parenting under pressure: A mixed-methods investigation of the impact of COVID-19 on family life. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2021; 5:100161. [PMID: 34642680 PMCID: PMC8497173 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background development and implementation of effective family-based psychosocial intervention and treatment strategies during COVID-19 will require a detailed understanding of how the virus has impacted the lives of families. Methods written reports on the life impacts of COVID-19 for parents (n = 56) and their children (n = 43), and a questionnaire assessing parent positive and negative affect, were collected between April and May 2020. An inductive approach was used to identify themes in written reports, followed by statistical analysis to explore associations between themes and changes in parent positive and negative affect pre- and post-writing. Results parents and children reported both positive and negative psychosocial impacts of the virus, though parents expressed a greater diversity of positive themes than children. Common themes reported by parents included concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on their children, health concerns for others, and the stressful balancing act of parenting, assisting with children's school work, and working from home. Many parents reported gratitude, and reflected on the upsides of the pandemic for family relationships and parent-child bonding. Parents who expressed gratitude reported a decrease in negative affect pre- to post-writing. Common child-reported themes included yearning to return to school, pandemic-related fears, and longing for social connection. Limitations the sample included a cross-section of mostly White (non-Hispanic), dual income, well-educated mothers, primarily from the United States. Conclusions both parents and children reported reduced wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should focus on identifying how to fulfill children's social needs and lessen caregivers’ burdens during this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen A Chu
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chloe Schwartz
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Nadine A Kasparian
- Cincinnati Children's Center for Heart Disease and Mental Health, Heart Institute and Division of Behavioral Medicine & Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Bridget Callaghan
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Dvorsky MR, Breaux R, Cusick CN, Fredrick JW, Green C, Steinberg A, Langberg JM, Sciberras E, Becker SP. Coping with COVID-19: Longitudinal Impact of the Pandemic on Adjustment and Links with Coping for Adolescents with and without ADHD. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 50:605-619. [PMID: 34618271 PMCID: PMC8496139 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-021-00857-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Understanding factors that foster resilience and buffer against the negative psychological impact of COVID-19 is critical to inform efforts to promote adjustment, reduce risk, and improve care, particularly for adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders. This prospective longitudinal study addresses this gap by investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents’ mental health and substance use, and by assessing specific positive coping strategies among adolescents with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using multi-group autoregressive cross-lagged path models, the present study explored the reciprocal influence of positive coping behaviors on multiple adjustment outcomes including mental health symptoms, substance use, stress, and worry. Participants included 238 adolescents (132 male participants; ages 15–17; 118 with ADHD). Parents provided ratings of adolescent routines, and adolescents provided ratings of coping behaviors and psychological adjustment in spring (May/June), summer (July/August), and fall (October/November) 2020. All models included the effects of adjustment at the prior timepoint as well as relevant covariates including adolescent race, ethnicity, sex, medication status, and family income. Adolescents with ADHD were at greater risk for experiencing increases in mental health symptoms and substance use throughout the pandemic, relative to adolescents without ADHD. The use of positive coping strategies and adolescent routines buffered against increases in substance use and mental health problems for adolescents with ADHD. These findings have important clinical and public policy relevance for parents, schools, and employers who may aim to prioritize keeping schedules as consistent as possible to promote healthy adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R Dvorsky
- Division of Psychology and Behavioral Health, Center for Translational Research, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Rosanna Breaux
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Caroline N Cusick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Joseph W Fredrick
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA.,Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Cathrin Green
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Amanda Steinberg
- Division of Psychology and Behavioral Health, Center for Translational Research, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Joshua M Langberg
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Emma Sciberras
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen P Becker
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Abstract
COVID-19 has changed education for learners of all ages. Preliminary data project educational losses at many levels and verify the increased anxiety and depression associated with the changes, but there are not yet data on long-term outcomes. Guidance from oversight organizations regarding the safety and efficacy of new delivery modalities for education have been quickly forged. It is no surprise that the socioeconomic gaps and gaps for special learners have widened. The medical profession and other professions that teach by incrementally graduated internships are also severely affected and have had to make drastic changes.
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Maurice V, Didillon A, Purper-Ouakil D, Kerbage H. Adapting a parent training program to the COVID-19 crisis in a mental health care setting in France. Encephale 2021; 48:354-358. [PMID: 34649712 PMCID: PMC8504859 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V Maurice
- Centre hospitalier universitaire de Montpellier, Saint Eloi Hospital, 80, avenue Augustin Fliche, 34195 Montpellier, France.
| | - A Didillon
- Centre hospitalier universitaire de Montpellier, Saint Eloi Hospital, 80, avenue Augustin Fliche, 34195 Montpellier, France
| | - D Purper-Ouakil
- Centre hospitalier universitaire de Montpellier, Saint Eloi Hospital, 80, avenue Augustin Fliche, 34195 Montpellier, France; Inserm U 1018, CESP, psychiatry, development and trajectories, Paris, France
| | - H Kerbage
- Centre hospitalier universitaire de Montpellier, Saint Eloi Hospital, 80, avenue Augustin Fliche, 34195 Montpellier, France
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Yousef AM, Sehlo MG, Mohamed AE. The negative psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a cross-section study. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2021. [PMCID: PMC8413698 DOI: 10.1186/s43045-021-00139-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ADHD is an important cause for psychiatric care as one of the most prominent neurodevelopmental conditions. Being an ADHD child’s parent is a daunting and sometimes stressful job that becomes more challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative consequences. This cross-sectional study was applied to 54 mothers of ADHD children and adolescents; the data of the ADHD children and adolescents have been registered before the lockdown on their regular follow-up visits on the child and adolescent’s clinic of the psychiatry department. Data of the study were collected through an electronic Google form included a COVID-19 questionnaire, The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale—21 Items (DASS-21) (Arabic version), and Conners’ Parent Rating Scale Revised-short version (CPRS-48). We aimed to assess symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms among the mothers of ADHD children and adolescents during COVID-19 outbreaks and determine the relationship between these symptoms and the changed circumstances that occurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, also with the behavioral problem of their children that may deteriorate by their mothers’ psychological state. Results Most of our participants were from the low socioeconomic class and were married. In total, 29.6% of the mother of ADHD children had confirmed COVID-19 cases among their family members, while 11.1% of our subjects lost a family member due to this epidemic, 22% of our sample lost their work because of COVID-19. We found that the COVID-19 pandemic has a big financial drawback on the family of our participants by a percentage of 31.5%. We noticed that 48.1% of our sample documented domestic violence toward them compared to before COVID-19. A total of 92.6% of the mothers who participated in our study assessed the period of change and restrictions as being very demanding. We found that 74.1% of ADHD patients were not compliant with their medications than before the epidemic. Also, we found that the mothers of ADHD children have bigger challenges in managing the child’s meals, structured activities, and sleep compared to before COVID-19. We showed that 53.7% of the mothers had depressive symptoms, 61% had anxiety symptoms, and 53.7% had stress symptoms. These symptoms were statistically associated with the lost family member due to COVID-19, the financial drawbacks of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the domestic violence toward mothers, compared to before COVID-19, the non-compliance of their children on the medications compared to before COVID-19, the presence of confirmed COVID-19 cases among family members, mother’s assessment of the period of change and restrictions as being very demanding compared to before COVID-19, and the non-compliance of their children on the medications compared to before COVID-19 as well as the increased behavioral symptoms of their children. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic has psychological influences on mothers of children with ADHD. A significant number of them may have depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms that could affect their children’s compliance with the medication and, consequently, their symptomatology.
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66
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Seo HR, Jung HS, Jung DS, Choi JW, Jo SH. Acute Impact of the Coronavirus Disease Outbreak on Behavioral Patterns and Emotional States of Pediatric Psychiatric Patients and Caregivers in Daegu, South Korea. Psychiatry Investig 2021; 18:913-922. [PMID: 34517447 PMCID: PMC8473852 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2021.0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the changes in interpersonal relationships, behavioral patterns, and emotional states of children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders and their caregivers immediately after the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Daegu, South Korea. METHODS A total of 147 patients and 147 caregivers participated in the Survey for Outing and Time Usage for Child, Adolescent, and Parents and the COVID-19 Visual Analog Scale for Emotion. We classified the patients and their caregivers into the internalizing disorder (ID) and externalizing disorder (ED) groups and compared the changes. RESULTS Parent-child relationships for adolescent patients and caregivers were interrupted, and friend relationships in all participants were disrupted, while sibling relationships improved in adolescent patients. They experienced negative emotional changes. Time spent outdoor decreased and digital screen time increased for all participants. Friend and parent-child relationships were interrupted in the ED group compared to those in the ID group. ED patients experienced negative changes in emotional states, while ID patients showed no significant changes. CONCLUSION Results are meaningful as a reference for predicting changes in interpersonal relationships and mental status of pediatric psychiatric patients and for determining healthcare system adaptations to allow mental health support during the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Rin Seo
- Department of Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Seok Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Seul Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - So Hye Jo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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67
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Hollingdale J, Adamo N, Tierney K. Impact of COVID-19 for people living and working with ADHD: A brief review of the literature. AIMS Public Health 2021; 8:581-597. [PMID: 34786421 PMCID: PMC8568596 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2021047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE COVID-19 lockdowns have changed the social and environmental context. Those with ADHD are more vulnerable to experiencing difficulties than their non-ADHD peers. This paper attempts to provide a brief summary of the literature that has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD A literature search was completed using the following databases; Embase, Ovid Medline, APA PsycInfo. A total of 36 papers were identified as relevant to the topic. RESULTS The pandemic has exacerbated the core symptoms of ADHD and co-occurring difficulties. Services have adapted their assessment and intervention protocols for tele-health working and findings suggest that tele-interventions present a viable alternative. However, much of this research utilises small sample sizes and a restricted number of population groups. CONCLUSIONS More research is required to determine the effectiveness of ADHD care during the pandemic and whether adaptations will be retained post-pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicoletta Adamo
- SCAAND Department, Michael Rutter Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kevin Tierney
- SCAAND Department, Michael Rutter Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
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68
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The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on child and adolescent mental health: systematic review. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021:10.1007/s00787-021-01856-w. [PMID: 34406494 PMCID: PMC8371430 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01856-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020, resulting in many countries worldwide calling for lockdowns. This study aimed to review the existing literature on the effects of the lockdown measures established as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents. Embase, Ovid, Global Health, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and pre-print databases were searched in this PRISMA-compliant systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42021225604). We included individual studies reporting on a wide range of mental health outcomes, including risk and protective factors, conducted in children and adolescents (aged ≤ 19 years), exposed to COVID-19 lockdown. Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted by independent researchers, and results were synthesised by core themes. 61 articles with 54,999 children and adolescents were included (mean age = 11.3 years, 49.7% female). Anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms were common in the included studies and ranged 1.8-49.5% and 2.2-63.8%, respectively. Irritability (range = 16.7-73.2%) and anger (range = 30.0-51.3%), were also frequently reported by children and adolescents. Special needs and the presence of mental disorders before the lockdown, alongside excessive media exposure, were significant risk factors for anxiety. Parent-child communication was protective for anxiety and depression. The COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in psychological distress and highlighted vulnerable groups such as those with previous or current mental health difficulties. Supporting the mental health needs of children and adolescents at risk is key. Clinical guidelines to alleviate the negative effects of COVID-19 lockdown and public health strategies to support this population need to be developed.
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69
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Werling AM, Walitza S, Drechsler R. Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on screen media use in patients referred for ADHD to child and adolescent psychiatry: an introduction to problematic use of the internet in ADHD and results of a survey. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:1033-1043. [PMID: 33885969 PMCID: PMC8060336 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02332-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown have been associated with multiple consequences for mental health, including an excessive and potentially harmful increase in screen media use. The specific consequences for children, adolescents and young adults with ADHD are still unknown. In the first part of this study, a short review of problematic use of the internet (PUI) in ADHD is presented, showing that patients with ADHD are at risk for different aspects of PUI, such as excessive gaming or problematic social media use. In the second part, we report original data of an online survey on screen media use before, during and after the lockdown completed by parents of children and adolescents clinically referred for ADHD. Parents rated children's/adolescents' media-related behavior and media time on a new screening questionnaire for PUI. Each item was rated three times, referring to the observed behavior before, during and 1-2 months after the lockdown. N = 126 parents of patients referred for ADHD aged 10-18 years participated in the study. Total media time increased by 46% during the lockdown and did not completely return to pre-Corona levels afterwards. Patients with difficulties concentrating, high irritability or deterioration of ADHD problems under lockdown spent more time with screen media than those with milder or no such problems. While the effects of the lockdown on screen media use and its negative impact on everyday life appear to be largely reversible, a small proportion of patients with ADHD apparently continue to show increased media use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Werling
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research, Neuropsychology, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Eisengasse 16, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research, Neuropsychology, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Eisengasse 16, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Renate Drechsler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research, Neuropsychology, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Eisengasse 16, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
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70
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Swansburg R, Hai T, MacMaster FP, Lemay JF. Impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle habits and mental health symptoms in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Canada. Paediatr Child Health 2021; 26:e199-e207. [PMID: 34326910 PMCID: PMC8194688 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic created an environment of restricted access to health and recreation services. Lifestyle habits including sleep, eating, exercise, and screen use were modified, potentially exacerbating adverse mental health outcomes. This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle habits and mental health symptoms in paediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Canada. Methods An online survey was distributed across Canada to caregivers of children with ADHD (children aged 5 to 18 years) assessing depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), ADHD (SNAP-IV), and lifestyle behaviours. Data were analyzed by gender (male/female) and age category (5 to 8, 9 to 12, and 13 to 18 years). Spearman’s correlations between lifestyle habits and mental health outcomes were conducted. Results A total of 587 surveys were completed. Mean child age was 10.14 years (SD 3.06), including 166 females (28.3%). The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 indicated that 17.4% and 14.1% of children met criteria for moderately severe to severe depression and anxiety symptoms respectively. Children met SNAP-IV cut-off scores for inattention (73.7%), hyperactivity/impulsivity (66.8%), and oppositional defiant disorder (38.6%) behaviours. Caregivers reported changes in sleep (77.5%), eating (58.9%), exercise (83.7%), and screen use (92.9%) in their ADHD child, greatly impacting youth. Sleeping fewer hours/night, eating more processed foods, and watching TV/playing videogames >3.5 hours/day correlated with greater depression, anxiety and ADHD symptoms, and exercising <1 hour/day further correlated with depression symptoms (P<0.01). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in less healthy lifestyle habits and increased mental health symptoms in Canadian children with ADHD. Longitudinal studies to better understand the relationship between these factors are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Swansburg
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tasmia Hai
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Frank P MacMaster
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jean-François Lemay
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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71
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Quiroz Madarriaga Y, Bujons Tur A. Are the parents instead of the children the new patients in pediatrics? The shortcomings of telemedicine. J Pediatr Urol 2021; 17:237-238. [PMID: 33583742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Sibley MH, Ortiz M, Gaias LM, Reyes R, Joshi M, Alexander D, Graziano P. Top problems of adolescents and young adults with ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 136:190-197. [PMID: 33610946 PMCID: PMC8009847 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE ADHD symptom severity appears to be exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study surveyed top problems experienced by adolescents and young adults (A/YAs) with ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify possible reasons for symptom escalation and potential targets for intervention. We also explored perceived benefits of the pandemic for A/YAs with ADHD. METHOD At the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic (April-June 2020), we administered self and parent ratings about current and pre-pandemic top problem severity and benefits of the pandemic to a sample of convenience (N = 134 A/YAs with ADHD participating in a prospective longitudinal study). RESULTS The most common top problems reported in the sample were social isolation (parent-report: 26.7%; self-report: 41.5%), difficulties engaging in online learning (parent-report: 23.3%, self-report: 20.3%), motivation problems (parent-report: 27.9%), and boredom (self-report: 21.3%). According to parent (d = 0.98) and self-report (d = 1.33), these top problems were more severe during the pandemic than in prior months. Contrary to previous speculation, there was no evidence that pandemic-related changes mitigated ADHD severity. Multi-level models indicated that A/YAs with higher IQs experienced severer top problems exacerbations at the transition to the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS For A/YAs with ADHD, several risk factors for depression and school dropout were incurred during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. A/YAs with ADHD should be monitored for school disengagement and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommended interventions attend to reducing risk factors such as increasing social interaction, academic motivation, and behavioral activation among A/YAs with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret H Sibley
- University of Washington, 1410 Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Mercedes Ortiz
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Larissa M Gaias
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, 220 Pawtucket St, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Rosemary Reyes
- University of Washington, 1410 Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mahima Joshi
- University of Washington, 1410 Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dana Alexander
- University of Washington, 1410 Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paulo Graziano
- Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, USA
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73
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Lavenne-Collot N, Ailliot P, Badic S, Favé A, François G, Saint-André S, Thierry A, Bronsard G. [Did child-psychiatry patients really experience the dreaded clinical degradation during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown?]. NEUROPSYCHIATRIE DE L'ENFANCE ET DE L'ADOLESCENCE 2021; 69:121-131. [PMID: 33727757 PMCID: PMC7951950 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurenf.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectifs La période de confinement qui s’est déroulée en France de la mi-mars à la mi-mai 2020, à l’occasion de la pandémie COVID-19, soulève d’importantes questions sur ses effets psychologiques directs et indirects chez les enfants et adolescents. Considérée intuitivement comme nuisible, voire traumatisante dans le discours médiatique, nous avons tenté de mieux qualifier ses effets à partir de deux démarches complémentaires. D’une part, nous avons réalisé une revue de la littérature sur le sujet, d’autre part, nous y avons associé une objectivation de l’évolution de l’état clinique global des enfants au sein de la file active du service de psychiatrie infanto-juvénile du CHRU de Brest pendant la période de confinement. La revue de la littérature portant sur les effets psychologiques de situations de confinement ou de quarantaine à l’occasion d’épidémies passées ou actuelle de COVID-19, notamment en Chine, rapporte de nombreuses données sur leurs conséquences délétères. Les effets relatés sont de nature variable : symptômes anxieux et dépressifs principalement, mais aussi Stress Post Traumatique, dans des proportions importantes. Cependant, la définition des situations vécues et les contextes dans lesquels se sont déroulées ces études sont en fait peu comparables à la situation française. Par ailleurs, les effets de la peur de la contamination n’y sont pas différenciés de ceux liés au confinement lui-même. Patients et méthodes Parmi les enfants et adolescents suivis dans le service, 354 ont bénéficié d’une mesure de l’impact du confinement sur leur état clinique global évalué à la Clinical Global Impression Improvement (CGI-I) par leur praticien habituel au cours de la période du 16 mars au 11 mai 2020. Résultats Nos résultats mettent en évidence que 50 % des enfants ont connu un état clinique global inchangé en comparaison à leur état avant le confinement, 25 à 30 % ont connu une amélioration et 20 à 25 % ont montré une légère dégradation pendant la période de confinement. L’état décrit est globalement stable dans le temps au cours des huit semaines de la durée du confinement. L’âge ou la sévérité préalable de la pathologie n’a pas d’influence significative, même si on note une amélioration globale plus fréquente chez les adolescents. Conclusion Ces résultats sont assez discordants avec le discours général. Plusieurs hypothèses sont discutées pour expliquer les raisons de cette absence de dégradation qui pourrait éventuellement être étendue aux enfants et adolescents en général pendant cette période.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Lavenne-Collot
- Service hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie infanto-juvénile, CHRU de Brest, Brest, France.,Inserm UMR 1101 LaTIM
| | - P Ailliot
- Université de Bretagne Occidentale Brest, CNRS, LMBA - UMR, 6205, Brest, France
| | - S Badic
- Service hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie infanto-juvénile, CHRU de Brest, Brest, France
| | - A Favé
- Service hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie infanto-juvénile, CHRU de Brest, Brest, France
| | - G François
- Service hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie infanto-juvénile, CHRU de Brest, Brest, France
| | - S Saint-André
- Service hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie infanto-juvénile, CHRU de Brest, Brest, France
| | - A Thierry
- Service hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie infanto-juvénile, CHRU de Brest, Brest, France
| | - G Bronsard
- Service hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie infanto-juvénile, CHRU de Brest, Brest, France.,SPURBO, EA7479
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74
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Melegari M, Giallonardo M, Sacco R, Marcucci L, Orecchio S, Bruni O. Identifying the impact of the confinement of Covid-19 on emotional-mood and behavioural dimensions in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Psychiatry Res 2021; 296:113692. [PMID: 33421841 PMCID: PMC7770476 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The current study examined the impact of the lockdown due to the Covid-19 disease on mood state and behaviours of children and adolescents with ADHD. Nine hundred ninety-two parents of children and adolescents with ADHD filled out an anonymous online survey through the ADHD family association website. The survey investigated the degree of severity of six emotional and mood states (sadness, boredom, little enjoyment/interest, irritability, temper tantrums, anxiety) and five disrupted behaviours (verbal and physical aggression, argument, opposition, restlessness) based on their frequency/week (absent; low: 1-2 days/week; moderate: 3-4 days/week; severe: 5-7 days/week) before and during the lockdown. Important fluctuations were found in all dimensions during the lockdown independently by the severity degree. Subjects with previous low severity degree of these behaviors significantly worsened in almost all dimensions during the lockdown. On the contrary, ADHD patients with moderate and severe degree showed important improvement during the lockdown. Little enjoyment/interests and boredom resulted the dimensions more strongly affected by the condition of restriction, overall in children. Children vs. adolescents showed substantially similar trend but the former resulted significantly more vulnerable to emotive changes. The results provided both the individuation of domains affected, and the indirect benefits produced by restriction condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.G. Melegari
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - M. Giallonardo
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - R. Sacco
- Service for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - L. Marcucci
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - S. Orecchio
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - O. Bruni
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy,Corresponding author
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75
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Taillard J, Sagaspe P, Philip P, Bioulac S. Sleep timing, chronotype and social jetlag: Impact on cognitive abilities and psychiatric disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 191:114438. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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76
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Eichenberg C. [Online psychotherapy in times of the corona pandemic]. PSYCHOTHERAPEUT 2021; 66:195-202. [PMID: 33462530 PMCID: PMC7805257 DOI: 10.1007/s00278-020-00484-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of mental illnesses in the population has enormously increased during the corona pandemic due to the accompanying burdens and distress. Therefore, it is important to continue with the provision of psychotherapeutic treatment even in times of social distancing. As a result, psychotherapists were soon confronted with the need to expand their traditional treatment setting and offer remote treatment. OBJECTIVE Which digital treatment options are available to psychotherapists since the pandemic, also with respect to the legal regulations? To what extent and how did they use video-based or telephone-based psychotherapy? What is the current stage of research regarding the effectiveness of video(telephony)? How can therapeutic alliance be built into video(telephony) settings? How can psychotherapists successfully apply their personal therapeutic method to different patient groups (children, adolescents, adults) in the new digital setting? METHODS These questions are answered based on a literature search and clinical considerations. RESULTS The majority of psychotherapists have immediately adapted to remote treatment. This has been supported by the government by expanding existing regulations in order to continue treatment with current and new patients without physical contact during the pandemic crisis. Survey studies have shown that psychotherapists consider the effectiveness of digital treatment settings to be lower than the traditional setting. CONCLUSION Further training is necessary to educate psychotherapists in the theory, practice and self-awareness for quality assurance in the video(telephony) setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Eichenberg
- Institut für Psychosomatik, Fakultät für Medizin, Sigmund Freud PrivatUniversität Wien, Freudplatz 3, 1020 Wien, Österreich
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77
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Kavoor AR, Mitra S. Managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder during COVID-19 Pandemic. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2021; 12:1-2. [PMID: 33531752 PMCID: PMC7846319 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Rao Kavoor
- Mental Health Program, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia and Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland Rural Clinical School, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sayantanava Mitra
- Mental Health Program, Monash Health and Department of Psychiatry, Monash Health, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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78
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Zijlmans J, Teela L, van Ewijk H, Klip H, van der Mheen M, Ruisch H, Luijten MAJ, van Muilekom MM, Oostrom KJ, Buitelaar J, Hoekstra PJ, Lindauer R, Popma A, Staal W, Vermeiren R, van Oers HA, Haverman L, Polderman TJC. Mental and Social Health of Children and Adolescents With Pre-existing Mental or Somatic Problems During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:692853. [PMID: 34305685 PMCID: PMC8295554 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.692853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 lockdown increases psychological problems in children and adolescents from the general population. Here we investigate the mental and social health during the COVID-19 lockdown in children and adolescents with pre-existing mental or somatic problems. Methods: We included participants (8-18 years) from a psychiatric (N = 249) and pediatric (N = 90) sample, and compared them to a general population sample (N = 844). Measures were assessed during the first lockdown (April-May 2020) in the Netherlands. Main outcome measures were Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) domains: Global Health, Peer Relationships, Anxiety, Depressive Symptoms, Anger, and Sleep-Related Impairment, as reported by children and youth. Additionally, socio-demographic variables, COVID-19-related questions, changes in atmosphere at home from a parent and child perspective, and children's experiences of lockdown regulations were reported by parents. Results: On all measures except Global Health, the pediatric sample reported least problems. The psychiatric sample reported significantly more problems than the general population sample on all measures except for Anxiety and Peer Relationships. Having a COVID-19 affected friend/relative and a COVID-19 related change in parental work situation negatively moderated outcome, but not in the samples with pre-existing problems. All parents reported significant decreases in atmosphere at home, as did children from the general population. Conclusion: We observed significant differences in mental and social health between three child and adolescent samples during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and identified COVID-19-related factors influencing mental and social health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josjan Zijlmans
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lorynn Teela
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hanneke van Ewijk
- Curium-Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Helen Klip
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Malindi van der Mheen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Levvel, Academic Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hyun Ruisch
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Michiel A J Luijten
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maud M van Muilekom
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kim J Oostrom
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan Buitelaar
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Pieter J Hoekstra
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ramón Lindauer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Levvel, Academic Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arne Popma
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Levvel, Academic Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wouter Staal
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Robert Vermeiren
- Curium-Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Hedy A van Oers
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lotte Haverman
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tinca J C Polderman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Curium-Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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He S, Shuai L, Wang Z, Qiu M, Wilson A, Xia W, Cao X, Lu L, Zhang J. Online Learning Performances of Children and Adolescents With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2021; 58:469580211049065. [PMID: 34647508 PMCID: PMC8524690 DOI: 10.1177/00469580211049065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To investigate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) core symptoms that impair executive function (EF), emotional state, learning motivation, and the family and parenting environment of children and adolescents with ADHD, both with and without severe difficulties. This will be explored within an online learning environment during the period of COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 183 ADHD children diagnosed using DSM-V criteria were selected and divided into 2 groups high difficulties during online learning (HDOL) and low difficulties during online learning (LDOL) according to the answer of Home Quarantine Investigation of the Pandemic (HQIP). The participants filled out a set of questionnaires to assess their emotional state and learning motivation, and their parents also filled out the questionnaires about ADHD core symptoms, EF, and family and parenting environment. Compared with ADHD children in the LDOL group, the children in the HDOL group had significant symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, oppositional defiant, behavioral and emotional problems according to the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale (SNAP). They also had more severely impaired EF according to the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), more difficulties and disturbances in the family by the Chinese version of Family Environment Scale (FES-CV), and lower parenting efficacy and satisfaction by Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC). With regard to the self-rating questionnaires of children and adolescents, the HDOL group reported lower learning motivation according to the Students Learning Motivation Scale (SLMS). By Screening for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders and Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (DSRSC), those in HDOL presented more negative emotions. The HDOL group spent significantly more time on both video games and social software per day and significantly less time on multiple activities per week, when compared to those in the LDOL group. This study demonstrated that ADHD children and adolescents with HDOL had more inattention-related behaviors, more severe emotional problems and EF impairment, weaker learning motivation, and poorer family and parenting environment. Meanwhile, digital media use should be supervised and appropriate extracurricular activities should be encouraged by parents and schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan He
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key
Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Shuai
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key
Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhouye Wang
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key
Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Meihui Qiu
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key
Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Amanda Wilson
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of
Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Weiping Xia
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key
Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Cao
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key
Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Shanghai, China
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80
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Children and Adolescents with Disabilities and Exposure to Disasters, Terrorism, and the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Scoping Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:80. [PMID: 34643813 PMCID: PMC8511280 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01295-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This paper reviews the empirical literature on exposures to disaster or terrorism and their impacts on the health and well-being of children with disabilities and their families since the last published update in 2017. We also review the literature on studies examining the mental health and functioning of children with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. RECENT FINDINGS Few studies have examined the effects of disaster or terrorism on children with disabilities. Research shows that children with disabilities and their families have higher levels of disaster exposure, lower levels of disaster preparedness, and less recovery support due to longstanding discriminatory practices. Similarly, many reports of the COVID-19 pandemic have documented its negative and disproportionate impacts on children with disabilities and their families. In the setting of climate change, environmental disasters are expected to increase in frequency and severity. Future studies identifying mitigating factors to disasters, including COVID-19; increasing preparedness on an individual, community, and global level; and evaluating post-disaster trauma-informed treatment practices are imperative to support the health and well-being of children with disabilities and their families.
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81
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Panda PK, Gupta J, Chowdhury SR, Kumar R, Meena AK, Madaan P, Sharawat IK, Gulati S. Psychological and Behavioral Impact of Lockdown and Quarantine Measures for COVID-19 Pandemic on Children, Adolescents and Caregivers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Trop Pediatr 2020; 67:6053725. [PMID: 33367907 PMCID: PMC7798512 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmaa122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 314] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the current ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, psychological problems like anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, inattention and sleep disturbance are fairly common among quarantined children in several studies. A systematic review of these publications to provide an accurate burden of these psychiatric/behavioral problems is needed for planning mitigating measures by the health authorities. METHODS Different electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, medRxiv and bioRxiv) were searched for articles describing psychological/behavioral complications in children/adolescents with/without pre-existing behavioral abnormalities and their caregivers related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only original articles with/without comparator arms and a minimum sample size of 50 were included in the analysis. The pooled estimate of various psychological/behavioral problems was calculated using a random-effect meta-analysis. RESULTS Fifteen studies describing 22 996 children/adolescents fulfilled the eligibility criteria from a total of 219 records. Overall, 34.5%, 41.7%, 42.3% and 30.8% of children were found to be suffering from anxiety, depression, irritability and inattention. Although the behavior/psychological state of a total of 79.4% of children was affected negatively by the pandemic and quarantine, at least 22.5% of children had a significant fear of COVID-19, and 35.2% and 21.3% of children had boredom and sleep disturbance. Similarly, 52.3% and 27.4% of caregivers developed anxiety and depression, respectively, while being in isolation with children. CONCLUSION Anxiety, depression, irritability, boredom, inattention and fear of COVID-19 are predominant new-onset psychological problems in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children with pre-existing behavioral problems like autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have a high probability of worsening of their behavioral symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juhi Gupta
- Center of Excellence & Advanced Research on Childhood Neurodevelopmental disorders, Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Sayoni Roy Chowdhury
- Center of Excellence & Advanced Research on Childhood Neurodevelopmental disorders, Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Rishi Kumar
- Center of Excellence & Advanced Research on Childhood Neurodevelopmental disorders, Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Ankit Kumar Meena
- Center of Excellence & Advanced Research on Childhood Neurodevelopmental disorders, Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Priyanka Madaan
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Indar Kumar Sharawat
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249203, India
| | - Sheffali Gulati
- Correspondence: Sheffali Gulati, MD, FAMS, Center of Excellence & Advanced Research on Childhood Neurodevelopmental disorders, Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India. Tel: +919810386847. <>
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82
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Bignardi G, Dalmaijer ES, Anwyl-Irvine AL, Smith TA, Siugzdaite R, Uh S, Astle DE. Longitudinal increases in childhood depression symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown. Arch Dis Child 2020; 106:archdischild-2020-320372. [PMID: 33298552 PMCID: PMC7733224 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There has been widespread concern that so-called lockdown measures, including social distancing and school closures, could negatively impact children's mental health. However, there has been little direct evidence of any association due to the paucity of longitudinal studies reporting mental health before and during the lockdown. This present study provides the first longitudinal examination of changes in childhood mental health, a key component of an urgently needed evidence base that can inform policy and practice surrounding the continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Mental health assessments on 168 children (aged 7.6-11.6 years) were taken before and during the UK lockdown (April-June 2020). Assessments included self-reports, caregiver reports, and teacher reports. Mean mental health scores before and during the UK lockdown were compared using mixed linear models. RESULTS A significant increase in depression symptoms during the UK lockdown was observed, as measured by the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) short form. CIs suggest a medium-to-large effect size. There were no significant changes in the RCADS anxiety subscale and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire emotional problems subscale. CONCLUSIONS During the UK lockdown, children's depression symptoms have increased substantially, relative to before lockdown. The scale of this effect has direct relevance for the continuation of different elements of lockdown policy, such as complete or partial school closures. This early evidence for the direct impact of lockdown must now be combined with larger scale epidemiological studies that establish which children are most at risk and tracks their future recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Bignardi
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Edwin S Dalmaijer
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Tess A Smith
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Roma Siugzdaite
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stepheni Uh
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Duncan E Astle
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Conti E, Sgandurra G, De Nicola G, Biagioni T, Boldrini S, Bonaventura E, Buchignani B, Della Vecchia S, Falcone F, Fedi C, Gazzillo M, Marinella G, Mazzullo C, Micomonaco J, Pantalone G, Salvati A, Sesso G, Simonelli V, Tolomei G, Troiano I, Cioni G, Masi G, Muratori F, Milone A, Battini R. Behavioural and Emotional Changes during COVID-19 Lockdown in an Italian Paediatric Population with Neurologic and Psychiatric Disorders. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10120918. [PMID: 33260987 PMCID: PMC7760933 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
On 11 March 2020, a national lockdown was imposed by the Italian government to contain the spread of COVID19 disease. This is an observational longitudinal study conducted at Fondazione Stella Maris (FSM), Italy to investigate lockdown-related emotional and behavioural changes in paediatric neuropsychiatric population. Families having children (1.5-18 years) with neuropsychiatric disorders referred to FSM have been contacted and proposed to fulfil two online questionnaires (General questionnaire and Child Behaviour Check List (CBCL)) to (i) compare (paired two-sample t-tests) the CBCL scores during lockdown with previous ones, and (ii) investigate the influence (multiple linear regression models) of variables such as age, diagnosis grouping (neurological, neurodevelopmental, emotional, and behavioural disorders) and financial hardship. One hundred and forty-one parents fulfilled the questionnaires. Anxiety and somatic problems increased in 1.5-5 years subpopulation, while obsessive-compulsive, post-traumatic and thought problems increased in 6-18 years subpopulation. In the regression models, younger age in the 1.5-5 years subpopulation resulted as "protective" while financial hardship experienced by families during lockdown was related to psychiatric symptoms increasing in the 6-18 years subpopulation. Some considerations, based on first clinical impressions, are provided in text together with comments in relation to previous and emerging literature on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Conti
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.S.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Giuseppina Sgandurra
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.S.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (F.M.)
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | | | - Tommaso Biagioni
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Silvia Boldrini
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Eleonora Bonaventura
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Bianca Buchignani
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Stefania Della Vecchia
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Francesca Falcone
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Caterina Fedi
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Marisa Gazzillo
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Gemma Marinella
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Cristina Mazzullo
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Jessica Micomonaco
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Gloria Pantalone
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Andrea Salvati
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Gianluca Sesso
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Valerio Simonelli
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Greta Tolomei
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Irene Troiano
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Giovanni Cioni
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.S.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (F.M.)
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.S.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.S.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (F.M.)
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
| | - Annarita Milone
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.S.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (F.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (R.B.); Tel.: +39-050-886-299 (A.M.)
| | - Roberta Battini
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.S.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (F.M.)
- Department of Clinical ad Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.B.); (S.B.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (F.F.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (J.M.); (G.P.); (A.S.); (G.S.); (V.S.); (G.T.); (I.T.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (R.B.); Tel.: +39-050-886-299 (A.M.)
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Low DM, Rumker L, Talkar T, Torous J, Cecchi G, Ghosh SS. Natural Language Processing Reveals Vulnerable Mental Health Support Groups and Heightened Health Anxiety on Reddit During COVID-19: Observational Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e22635. [PMID: 32936777 PMCID: PMC7575341 DOI: 10.2196/22635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting mental health, but it is not clear how people with different types of mental health problems were differentially impacted as the initial wave of cases hit. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to leverage natural language processing (NLP) with the goal of characterizing changes in 15 of the world's largest mental health support groups (eg, r/schizophrenia, r/SuicideWatch, r/Depression) found on the website Reddit, along with 11 non-mental health groups (eg, r/PersonalFinance, r/conspiracy) during the initial stage of the pandemic. METHODS We created and released the Reddit Mental Health Dataset including posts from 826,961 unique users from 2018 to 2020. Using regression, we analyzed trends from 90 text-derived features such as sentiment analysis, personal pronouns, and semantic categories. Using supervised machine learning, we classified posts into their respective support groups and interpreted important features to understand how different problems manifest in language. We applied unsupervised methods such as topic modeling and unsupervised clustering to uncover concerns throughout Reddit before and during the pandemic. RESULTS We found that the r/HealthAnxiety forum showed spikes in posts about COVID-19 early on in January, approximately 2 months before other support groups started posting about the pandemic. There were many features that significantly increased during COVID-19 for specific groups including the categories "economic stress," "isolation," and "home," while others such as "motion" significantly decreased. We found that support groups related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, eating disorders, and anxiety showed the most negative semantic change during the pandemic out of all mental health groups. Health anxiety emerged as a general theme across Reddit through independent supervised and unsupervised machine learning analyses. For instance, we provide evidence that the concerns of a diverse set of individuals are converging in this unique moment of history; we discovered that the more users posted about COVID-19, the more linguistically similar (less distant) the mental health support groups became to r/HealthAnxiety (ρ=-0.96, P<.001). Using unsupervised clustering, we found the suicidality and loneliness clusters more than doubled in the number of posts during the pandemic. Specifically, the support groups for borderline personality disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder became significantly associated with the suicidality cluster. Furthermore, clusters surrounding self-harm and entertainment emerged. CONCLUSIONS By using a broad set of NLP techniques and analyzing a baseline of prepandemic posts, we uncovered patterns of how specific mental health problems manifest in language, identified at-risk users, and revealed the distribution of concerns across Reddit, which could help provide better resources to its millions of users. We then demonstrated that textual analysis is sensitive to uncover mental health complaints as they appear in real time, identifying vulnerable groups and alarming themes during COVID-19, and thus may have utility during the ongoing pandemic and other world-changing events such as elections and protests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Low
- Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Laurie Rumker
- Center for Data Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tanya Talkar
- Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Human Health and Performance Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, United States
| | - John Torous
- Digital Psychiatry Division, Department of Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Guillermo Cecchi
- Thomas J Watson Research Center, IBM, Yorktown Heights, NY, United States
| | - Satrajit S Ghosh
- Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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85
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Cross-Sectional Study of Self-Concept and Gender in Relation to Physical Activity and Martial Arts in Spanish Adolescents during the COVID-19 Lockdown. EDUCATION SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/educsci10080210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 lockdown has negatively affected individuals’ welfare. However, there has been no research published heretofore about the levels of self-concept (SC) in adolescents, nor how having practised martial arts (MA) or any physical activity (PA) before the lockdown may have influenced the SC in that time. Hence, this study aimed to analyze some demographic, physical, and psychosocial parameters in Spanish adolescents throughout the COVID-19 quarantine through a cross-sectional investigation, establishing correlations among these factors. Methods: The present study had a descriptive, comparative, and cross-sectional design. The sample comprised of 54 (39.7%) male and 82 (60.3%) female Spanish adolescents aged 12–18 (M = 14.49; SD = 1.80). An ad-hoc questionnaire collected sociodemographic data; the self-concept Form 5 (AF5) questionnaire obtained data on SC dimensions. Results: There were some differences among the SC dimensions, with family and academic dimensions having higher values than the physical and emotional ones. Females’ academic SC was higher than that of males (p = 0.019). The practice of PA before the lockdown was positively associated with physical (p < 0.001) and social (p = 0.012) SC, yet there was no significant association between the previous practice of MA and SC (p > 0.050). Conclusions: the findings suggest that the COVID-19 lockdown negatively affected Spanish adolescents by decreasing their total SC and some dimensions of it, although PA may buffer psychological harmfulness in adolescents.
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