Changes in internalizing and externalizing problems in Dutch children and adolescents receiving youth care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic had serious effects on the mental health of children and adolescents. However, it is unclear how the pandemic may have affected treatment effects and outcomes in youth care. We investigated if treatment effects and externalizing and internalizing problems of children and adolescents receiving youth care were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe used data from children and adolescents in youth care (N= 1,090,Mage= 12.85 (SD= 2.83; range = 8-18 years)). Internalizing and externalizing problems were assessed at the start and end of treatment using the Child Behavior Checklist. We inspected change in internalizing and externalizing problems and clinical status at the end of treatment to investigate treatment effects, and the level of problems at the start and end of treatment. Outcomes were compared between three groups: children treated entirely before the COVID-19 pandemic, children who experienced the transition into COVID-19 measures during treatment, and children treated entirely during the pandemic.ResultsWe did not find evidence that the pandemic affected treatment effectiveness. However, fewer children who were treated during the pandemic recovered from externalizing problems compared to children treated before the pandemic. Children who received treatment entirely during the pandemic also showed more internalizing and externalizing problems at both the start and end of their treatment, and children who experienced the transition into the pandemic showed elevated externalizing problems at both timepoints.ConclusionsAlthough the change in internalizing and externalizing problems from start to end of treatment was not affected by the pandemic, our findings that children are entering and leaving care with more problems suggest that child mental health has deteriorated since the pandemic.