Mental health issues in kids rose during pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the mental health of children and adolescents, researchers say, based on their analysis of findings from 17 earlier studies.

The studies - published in 2020 and 2021 - found unusually high rates of anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, suicidal behavior, stress-related disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other mental health problems during the pandemic.

Individual behaviors such as hobbies, praying, and listening to music were associated with positive mental health, the studies also found.

Mental health problems were more common in those with low socioeconomic status, lack of social connections and support, adverse family relationships and restricted mobility. Other factors included school closures and "COVID-related health experiences within family or community,according to the researchers.

In many places, school and community mental health resources and services became unavailable or inaccessible. This made it difficult for children and adolescents to receive timely mental healthcare. The researchers say there is the need for "multipronged efforts'' to alleviate the immediate and future health and social consequences of the pandemic on the mental health of children and teens.