Children and Adolescent Mental Health in a Time of COVID-19: A Forgotten Priority

Ann Glob Health. 2021 Jun 29;87(1):57. doi: 10.5334/aogh.3330. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Globally, 10-20% of children and adolescents experience mental health conditions, but most of them do not receive the appropriate care when it is needed. The COVID-19 deaths and prevention measures, such as the lockdowns, economic downturns, and school closures, have affected many communities physically, mentally, and economically and significantly impacted the already-neglected children and adolescents' mental health. As a result, evidence has shown that many children and adolescents are experiencing psychological effects such as depression and anxiety without adequate support. The consequences of not addressing the mental health conditions in children and adolescents extend through adulthood and restrict them from reaching their full potential. The effects of COVID-19 on children and adolescents' mental health highlight the urgent need for multisectoral home-grown solutions to provide early diagnosis and treatment and educate caregivers on home-based interventions and community outreach initiatives to address children and adolescents' mental health challenges during this pandemic and beyond.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Child
  • Communicable Disease Control / methods
  • Community Mental Health Services* / methods
  • Community Mental Health Services* / trends
  • Early Medical Intervention / organization & administration*
  • Education, Distance
  • Global Health
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Intersectoral Collaboration
  • Mental Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders* / therapy
  • Mental Health / trends
  • Psychosocial Deprivation
  • Quarantine / psychology*
  • Rwanda / epidemiology
  • SARS-CoV-2