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Evolution of Child and Youth Mental Health in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Analysis

Authors :
Arancha Bernal-Jiménez
Xosé Ramón García-Soto
Sara Calvo-Simal
Yolanda Álvarez-Férnandez
Rocío Gordo-Seco
M. Rosario Hernando-Segura
Ángela Osorio-Guzmán
Ana Gentil-Gutiérrez
Jessica Fernández-Solana
Jerónimo Javier González-Bernal
Josefa González-Santos
Source :
Children, Vol 11, Iss 6, p 660 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic generated uncertainty and disruption among the child and adolescent population. Multiple studies have documented a worsening of mental health following the pandemic. The main objective of this longitudinal study is to analyze the short-, medium-, and long-term evolution of the overall functioning of children and adolescents treated by a child and adolescent mental health team in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 420 patients aged 3 to 18 were assessed using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale at three time points: during the lockdown, three months later, and three years later. Differences based on gender, diagnosis, and time were analyzed. Results: A significant improvement was observed in the short-term (three months) and long-term (three years) compared to the lockdown period. This improvement was maintained in all diagnostic subgroups except for mixed cases (severe mental pathology), which showed the least improvement. No significant differences were found between males and females. Conclusions: The child and adolescent population showed a greater capacity for adaptation to the lockdown than expected. Family support, decreased stress, and therapeutic intervention appear to have played an important role in improving mental health.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22279067
Volume :
11
Issue :
6
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Children
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.56d7d064e7aa425f922f802d5b24df22
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/children11060660