The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children with psychiatric diagnoses – multidimensional CCPCA Model

Abstract

Background The study aimed to assess the severity of symptoms of anxiety and depression in children with previously diagnosed psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. Methods Online questionnaires were used to investigate three groups of subjects: patients with a psychiatric diagnosis, primary school pupils, and children from children’s homes. A total of 167 children with their parents or guardians participated in the study. In addition to basic statistics, a multidimensional Centroid Class Principal Component Analysis (CCPCA) model was used. Results It was found that the strongest fear of the coronavirus was experienced by children from children’s homes, while the most severe depressive symptoms and state anxiety were observed among patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. Parental care by assisting with school education and lack of close contact with other people (less than two metres) at parents/guardians’ work had the most potent protective effect in reducing the fear of COVID-19. Conclusions There is a need for further research in children and adolescents to develop effective strategies for protecting their mental well-being when faced with social isolation or disease.

Stuck in a Rut of Thought—That Is Just a Barrier: Dysfunctional Metacognitive Beliefs, Limitation on Individual Freedom and Well-Being of Adolescents during COVID-19 Lockdown

“…Nevertheless, the presented results show significant and strong effects, which are an interesting premise for further analysis and further research. Clinical observation and results of many researchers all around the world have shown young people may still struggle with the effects of the pandemic for a long time [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 22 ]. Therefore, it seems important to correctly identify risk factors and the specific type and course of therapy undertaken by young people during that pandemic time.…”

“…These disruptions to daily rhythms and tasks appear to have had a strong impact on adolescents’ well-being and mental health. Some researchers report that because of isolation, symptoms of secondary post-traumatic stress disorder could be identified in a quarter of children [ 6 ]. In addition, there is also an increase in the symptoms of depressive and anxiety disorders, an increased frequency of alcohol and cannabis use by this group of people [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

“…In addition, there is also an increase in the symptoms of depressive and anxiety disorders, an increased frequency of alcohol and cannabis use by this group of people [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. These data indicate not only a rise in the severity of symptoms in adolescents who have previously struggled with mood disorders but also the emergence of symptoms in previously healthy children and young adults [ 6 , 7 ]. This is particularly worrying, since adolescence is the time when most mental disorders are revealed [ 10 ].…”

Spanish media coverage of youth mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…However, the literature on whether this increase has led to more or less responsible communication about mental health is contradictory [ 30 , 31 ]. This increase in mental health problems has been particularly acute in the young population [ 32 , 33 ]. It is hypothesised that, among other factors, this may have been due to the great impact of periods of isolation and changes in academic rhythm at a time when socialisation is essential [ 34 ].…”