Search

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence and severity of psychiatric disorders among sexual and gender diverse (SGD) young people was greater than in their heterosexual/cisgender peers. We systematically reviewed literature examining the prevalence, severity, and risk factors for psychiatric disorders among SGD young people aged 25 and under during the pandemic. Four databases (MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched. Eligibility criteria were studies assessing prevalence rates, mean symptomology scores and risk factors of psychiatric disorders using contemporaneous screening measures or diagnosis. Thirteen studies of mixed quality were identified. Most studies indicated SGD young people were at high risk of experiencing several psychiatric disorders including depressive and generalised anxiety disorder compared to the general population. This group also experienced more severe symptomology of various psychiatric disorders compared to their heterosexual/cisgender peers. Risk factors included those specific to the pandemic along with factors that led to greater risk before the pandemic. This systematic review has indicated evidence of heightened risk of psychiatric disorders among SGD young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important for clinicians to acknowledge the needs of SGD young people, working with them to co-develop more inclusive care as they deal with the pandemic's fallout. Plain language summary: Why was the study done? Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence and severity of psychiatric disorders in sexual and gender diverse (SGD) young people was greater than in their heterosexual/cisgender peers, based on several risk factors. Research using validated screening measures assessed whether this continued during the pandemic. Yet, these studies have not been brought together in an organised fashion to provide a comprehensive summary of this evidence. What did the researchers do? We reviewed literature examining the prevalence, severity, and risk factors for psychiatric disorders among SGD young people aged 25 and under during the pandemic. Eligibility criteria were studies assessing prevalence rates, mean symptomology scores or risk factors of psychiatric disorders using contemporaneous screening measures or diagnosis. What did the researchers find? Thirteen studies of mixed quality were identified. Most studies indicated SGD young people were more likely to report experiencing several psychiatric disorders including depressive and generalised anxiety disorders compared to the general population. SGD young people also experienced more severe symptomology of various psychiatric disorders compared to their heterosexual/cisgender peers. Risk factors included those specific to the pandemic along with factors that existed before the pandemic. What do the findings mean? This review suggests SGD young people were at greater risk of psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinicians should acknowledge the needs of SGD young people, working with them to co-develop more inclusive care as they deal with the pandemic's fallout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with cancer is important to inform care. Online survey of 16–24 year olds receiving cancer treatment at eight cancer centres in the UK. We measured: self-perceived increased anxiety since COVID-19, impact of COVID-19 on treatment, life and relationships, PHQ-8, GAD and the two-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). 112 AYA participated. 59.8% had previous mental health difficulties. 78.6% reported COVID-19 having a significant impact on life. 79% reported experiencing increased anxiety since COVID-19.43.4% had moderate-severe PHQ-8 scores and 37.1% GADS-7 scores. Impact on life was associated with moderate-severe PHQ-8 scores (OR 5.23, 95% CI 1.65–16.56, p < 0.01), impact on relationships with moderate-severe GADS-7 and PHQ-8 score (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.11–7.54, p = 0,03; OR 3.54, 95% CI 2.32–15.17, p < 0.01; OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.11–5.25, p =0.03). Greater resilience was associated with lower mod-severe GADS-7and PHQ-8 scores (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.41–0.81, p < 0.01; OR 0.55 95% CI 0.4–0.72, p < 0.01; OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38–0.69, p < 0.01). We found high levels of psychological distress. Perceived impact of COVID-19 on relationships and life was predictive of poorer mental health, with resilience a protective factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To undertake a systematic review of reviews of the prevalence of symptoms and signs of COVID-19 in those aged under 20 years.Design: Narrative systematic review of reviews. PubMed, medRxiv, Europe PMC and COVID-19 Living Evidence Database were searched on 9 October 2020.Setting: All settings, including hospitalised and community settings.Patients: Children and young people (CYP) under age 20 years with laboratory-proven COVID-19.Study Review, Data Extraction and Quality: Potentially eligible articles were reviewed on title and abstract by one reviewer. Quality was assessed using the modified AMSTARS criteria and data were extracted from included studies by two reviewers.Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of symptoms and signs of COVID-19.Results: 1325 studies were identified and 18 reviews were included. Eight were high quality, 7 medium and 3 low quality. All reviews were dominated by studies of hospitalised children. The proportion of asymptomatic CYP ranged from 14.6% to 42%. Fever and cough were the the most common symptoms; proportions with fever ranged from 46% to 64.2% and with cough from 32% to 55.9%. All other symptoms or signs including rhinorrhoea, sore throat, headache, fatigue/myalgia and gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhoea and vomiting were infrequent, occurring in less than 10%-20%.Conclusions: Fever and cough are the most common symptoms in CYP with COVID-19, with other symptoms infrequent. Further research on symptoms in community samples are needed to inform pragmatic identification and testing programmes for CYP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]