Mental and social health of children and adolescents with pre-existing mental or somatic problems during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

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. Method: 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. 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 assessed. 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 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. Our findings contribute to current and future policies during pandemic related lockdowns regarding the mental and social health of children and adolescents.

Mood Variability Among Early Adolescents in Times of Social Constraints: A Daily Diary Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Second, our sample was comprised of typically developing early adolescents from a high socioeconomic background. It is likely that the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is higher for adolescents from less economic beneficial environments (Green et al, 2021) or who experienced psychiatric problems before (Zijlmans et al, 2021). Additionally, our sample consisted of typically intelligent and gifted early adolescents.…”

Psychosocial function of Dutch children with cancer and their caregivers during different phases of the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…This may seem surprising because of reports of decreased psychosocial function in general populations and expected vulnerabilities of children with cancer and their caregivers 1,2,12,13 . However, other studies also found that psychosocial function of children with chronic illness and cystic fibrosis were less affected by COVID‐19 than general population peers during the pandemic 14,15 . The lower negative impact of COVID‐19 on clinical pediatric populations may be explained by being accustomed to stress 15 and isolation 16 because of their treatment and decreased feelings of being different because of generalized hygiene measures and home schooling 6 .…”

Psychosocial function of Dutch children with cancer and their caregivers during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic

“…1,2,12,13 However, other studies also found that psychosocial function of children with chronic illness and cystic fibrosis were less affected by COVID-19 than general population peers during the pandemic. 14,15 The lower negative impact of COVID-19 on clinical pediatric populations may be explained by being accustomed to stress 15 and isolation 16 because of their treatment and decreased feelings of being different because of generalized hygiene measures and home schooling. 6 In addition, because of contact with health care professionals at our center children with cancer may have been informed better regarding COVID-19 risks and prevention, and had access to psychosocial support if necessary.…”