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Bernal-Jiménez A, García-Soto XR, Calvo-Simal S, Álvarez-Férnandez Y, Gordo-Seco R, Hernando-Segura MR, Osorio-Guzmán Á, Gentil-Gutiérrez A, Fernández-Solana J, González-Bernal JJ, González-Santos J. Evolution of Child and Youth Mental Health in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Analysis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:660. [PMID: 38929239 PMCID: PMC11201923 DOI: 10.3390/children11060660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arancha Bernal-Jiménez
- Psychiatry Service, University Hospital of Burgos, 09006 Burgos, Spain; (A.B.-J.); (X.R.G.-S.); (Y.Á.-F.); (R.G.-S.); (M.R.H.-S.); (Á.O.-G.)
| | - Xosé Ramón García-Soto
- Psychiatry Service, University Hospital of Burgos, 09006 Burgos, Spain; (A.B.-J.); (X.R.G.-S.); (Y.Á.-F.); (R.G.-S.); (M.R.H.-S.); (Á.O.-G.)
| | - Sara Calvo-Simal
- Biostatistics Unit of the Research Department, University Hospital of Burgos, 09006 Burgos, Spain;
| | - Yolanda Álvarez-Férnandez
- Psychiatry Service, University Hospital of Burgos, 09006 Burgos, Spain; (A.B.-J.); (X.R.G.-S.); (Y.Á.-F.); (R.G.-S.); (M.R.H.-S.); (Á.O.-G.)
| | - Rocío Gordo-Seco
- Psychiatry Service, University Hospital of Burgos, 09006 Burgos, Spain; (A.B.-J.); (X.R.G.-S.); (Y.Á.-F.); (R.G.-S.); (M.R.H.-S.); (Á.O.-G.)
| | - M. Rosario Hernando-Segura
- Psychiatry Service, University Hospital of Burgos, 09006 Burgos, Spain; (A.B.-J.); (X.R.G.-S.); (Y.Á.-F.); (R.G.-S.); (M.R.H.-S.); (Á.O.-G.)
| | - Ángela Osorio-Guzmán
- Psychiatry Service, University Hospital of Burgos, 09006 Burgos, Spain; (A.B.-J.); (X.R.G.-S.); (Y.Á.-F.); (R.G.-S.); (M.R.H.-S.); (Á.O.-G.)
| | - Ana Gentil-Gutiérrez
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain; (A.G.-G.); (J.J.G.-B.); (J.G.-S.)
| | - Jessica Fernández-Solana
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain; (A.G.-G.); (J.J.G.-B.); (J.G.-S.)
| | | | - Josefa González-Santos
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain; (A.G.-G.); (J.J.G.-B.); (J.G.-S.)
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Spaggiari S, Calignano G, Montanaro M, Zaffani S, Cecinati V, Maffeis C, Di Riso D. Examining Coping Strategies and Their Relation with Anxiety: Implications for Children Diagnosed with Cancer or Type 1 Diabetes and Their Caregivers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:77. [PMID: 38248541 PMCID: PMC10815397 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The onset of chronic diseases in childhood represents a stressful event for both young patients and their caregivers. In this context, coping strategies play a fundamental role in dealing with illness-related challenges. Although numerous studies have explored coping strategies employed by parents of children with chronic diseases, there remains a gap in the understanding of children's coping strategies and their correlation with their and their parents' anxiety. This study aims to investigate coping strategies and their interaction with anxiety in groups of young patients with cancer, type 1 diabetes (T1D), and their respective caregivers, in comparison to healthy children and caregivers. We recruited a total of 61 control children, 33 with cancer, and 56 with T1D, 7 to 15 years old, along with their mothers. Each participant completed a customized survey and standardized questionnaires. No significant differences emerged in coping strategies used by children among the different groups. However, when examining the association between coping strategy and anxiety, we found specific patterns of interaction between children's use of coping strategies and their and their mothers' anxiety levels. This study underscores the importance of an illness-specific approach to gain deeper insights into this topic and develop targeted interventions aimed at enhancing the psychological well-being of these vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Spaggiari
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization (DPSS), University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy; (G.C.); (D.D.R.)
| | - Giulia Calignano
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization (DPSS), University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy; (G.C.); (D.D.R.)
| | - Maria Montanaro
- Complex Structure of Pediatrics and Pediatric Oncohematology “Nadia Toffa”, Central Hospital Santissima Annunziata, 74121 Taranto, Italy; (M.M.); (V.C.)
| | - Silvana Zaffani
- Pediatric Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Valerio Cecinati
- Complex Structure of Pediatrics and Pediatric Oncohematology “Nadia Toffa”, Central Hospital Santissima Annunziata, 74121 Taranto, Italy; (M.M.); (V.C.)
| | - Claudio Maffeis
- Pediatric Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (S.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Daniela Di Riso
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization (DPSS), University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy; (G.C.); (D.D.R.)
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Dessain A, Parlatini V, Singh A, De Bruin M, Cortese S, Sonuga-Barke E, Serrano JV. Mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents with ADHD: A systematic review of controlled longitudinal cohort studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 156:105502. [PMID: 38065419 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Prior studies reported mixed effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents with ADHD, but they were mainly cross-sectional and without controls. To clarify the impact, we searched Web of Science, EMBASE, Medline, and PsychINFO until 18/11/2023 and conducted a systematic review of controlled longitudinal cohort studies (Prospero: CRD42022308166). The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess quality. We identified 6 studies. Worsening of mental health symptoms was more evident in ADHD or control group according to symptom considered and context. However, those with ADHD had more persistent elevated symptoms and remained an at-risk population. Sleep problems deteriorated more significantly in those with ADHD. Lower pre-COVID emotion regulation skills and greater rumination were associated with worse mental health outcomes, and longer screen time with poorer sleep. Quality was rated as low in most studies, mainly due to self-report outcome measures and no information on attrition rates. Despite these limitations, results suggest a predominantly negative impact on youths with ADHD and may guide clinical practice and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amabel Dessain
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Valeria Parlatini
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Anjali Singh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Michelle De Bruin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK; DiMePRe-J-Department of Precision and Rigenerative Medicine-Jonic Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Edmund Sonuga-Barke
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK; Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University, Denmark; University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Julio Vaquerizo Serrano
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
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Pace CS, Muzi S, Frigerio A, Morganti W, Bianchi V, Rogier G. Twenty years of emotional-behavioral problems of community adolescents living in Italy measured through the Achenbach system of empirically based assessment (ASEBA): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1161917. [PMID: 38146284 PMCID: PMC10749347 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1161917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of emotional and behavioral problems among Italian community adolescents in the last 20 years, as assessed through the ASEBA questionnaires CBCL 6-18, YSR 11-18 and TRF 6-18. Research questions address: (1) pooled means of problems' scores in questionnaires scales; (2-3) variations in scores according to sociodemographic and time-related factors, and studies' quality; (4) trends in research with ASEBA instruments along with other outcomes, e.g., psychopathological symptoms. Methods A systematic literature review of Scopus, EBSCO, PubMed, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines was conducted on November, 2021, and of grey literature on December, 2021. The quality of studies was assessed through the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results Forty-four studies were eligible for the systematic review, of which 34 were included for meta-analysis. Results showed that: (1) emotional-behavioral problems were higher when assessed by the CBCL and lower when assessed by the YSR compared to normative data; (2) there were no gender and age differences, except for higher scores of Anxious/Depression symptoms, in girls. (3) internalizing and attention problems increased over the last two decades. (4) major trends of Italian research investigate adolescents' emotional behavioral problems concerning attachment, comorbid symptoms, especially internet addictions, and eating disorders. Discussion Despite some limitations (e.g., low-medium quality of most studies, no data on the TRF, under-representation of some geographical areas, some search-related choices), these data provides Italian practitioners and international researchers of some parameter to evaluate Italian adolescents emotional-behavioral problems. Registered on PROSPERO N. CRD42022299999.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Serena Pace
- Department of Education Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Stefania Muzi
- Department of Education Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Frigerio
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Child Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Wanda Morganti
- Department of Education Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Victoria Bianchi
- Department of Education Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Guyonne Rogier
- Department of Education Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
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5
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Gu X, Shan X, Wang L, Gao WY, Liu XQ. Prevalence of psychological problems among caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: A meta-analysis and systematic review. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 143:104632. [PMID: 37976983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic impacted children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders, which caused difficulties and increased caregivers' burden. AIM The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychological problems among caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods and procedures We searched the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases for relevant studies published from December 2019 to March 2023. Random effects models were used to calculate the pooled prevalence of psychological problems among caregivers. Subgroup analyses were used to detect potential heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the included studies. Egger's and Begg's tests were used to examine publication bias. Outcomes and results Twenty studies involving 14,743 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The main psychological problems among caregivers were anxiety (36.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 19.6-53.7%), depression (41.1%, 95%CI 35.4-46.8%), and stress (58.9%, 95%CI 45.1-72.7%). There were differences in prevalence by study year, national economic level, continent, and sample size. Conclusions and implications Our study showed that caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders had a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the psychological problems of these caregivers should not be overlooked. We recommend that the government should provide caregivers with more medical and financial assistance. What this paper adds? The current study is the first systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on parents whose children have neurodevelopmental disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that the prevalence of psychological problems among caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders is particularly prevalent, which suggests that we should attach importance to the parenting pressure and mental health of this special group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Gu
- Medical School of Nantong University, No. 19, Qi Xiu Street, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Xiao Shan
- Medical School of Nantong University, No. 19, Qi Xiu Street, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Medical School of Nantong University, No. 19, Qi Xiu Street, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Wen-Ying Gao
- Medical School of Nantong University, No. 19, Qi Xiu Street, Nantong 226007, China
| | - Xiao-Qin Liu
- Nursing Department of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No. 20, Xi Si Street, Nantong 226006, China.
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6
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Ahmed N, Barnett P, Greenburgh A, Pemovska T, Stefanidou T, Lyons N, Ikhtabi S, Talwar S, Francis ER, Harris SM, Shah P, Machin K, Jeffreys S, Mitchell L, Lynch C, Foye U, Schlief M, Appleton R, Saunders KRK, Baldwin H, Allan SM, Sheridan-Rains L, Kharboutly O, Kular A, Goldblatt P, Stewart R, Kirkbride JB, Lloyd-Evans B, Johnson S. Mental health in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10:537-556. [PMID: 37321240 PMCID: PMC10259832 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00113-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused immediate and far-reaching disruption to society, the economy, and health-care services. We synthesised evidence on the effect of the pandemic on mental health and mental health care in high-income European countries. We included 177 longitudinal and repeated cross-sectional studies comparing prevalence or incidence of mental health problems, mental health symptom severity in people with pre-existing mental health conditions, or mental health service use before versus during the pandemic, or between different timepoints of the pandemic. We found that epidemiological studies reported higher prevalence of some mental health problems during the pandemic compared with before it, but that in most cases this increase reduced over time. Conversely, studies of health records showed reduced incidence of new diagnoses at the start of the pandemic, which further declined during 2020. Mental health service use also declined at the onset of the pandemic but increased later in 2020 and through 2021, although rates of use did not return to pre-pandemic levels for some services. We found mixed patterns of effects of the pandemic on mental health and social outcome for adults already living with mental health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiso Ahmed
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Phoebe Barnett
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK; Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness, University College London, London, UK; National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - Anna Greenburgh
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tamara Pemovska
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Theodora Stefanidou
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Natasha Lyons
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Ikhtabi
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Shivangi Talwar
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emma R Francis
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Samantha M Harris
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Prisha Shah
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Karen Machin
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen Jeffreys
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lizzie Mitchell
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chris Lynch
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Una Foye
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Merle Schlief
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Appleton
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Katherine R K Saunders
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Helen Baldwin
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sophie M Allan
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough National Health Service Foundation Trust, South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Luke Sheridan-Rains
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ariana Kular
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Goldblatt
- Institute of Health Equity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert Stewart
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Brynmor Lloyd-Evans
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sonia Johnson
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK; Camden and Islington National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
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7
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Prato A, Salerno AM, Saia F, Maugeri N, Zanini A, Scerbo M, Barone R, Rizzo R. Symptoms compatible with long COVID in an Italian pediatric cohort of Tourette patients with and without SARS‑CoV‑2 infection: a short-term follow-up assessment. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:222. [PMID: 37147589 PMCID: PMC10161986 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04035-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder with a worldwide prevalence of about 0.3-1% of the population. During the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, the impact on the mental health of children and adolescents was very important. The persistence of symptoms in the post-acute phase of the disease has been termed Long COVID. The neuropsychiatric symptoms seem to be the most common impairment in children and adolescents with long COVID. OBJECTIVES Considering the impact of pandemic on mental health, in this study we analyzed the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents affected by TS. METHODS We conducted an online questionnaire covering socio-demographic and clinical data among 158 patients affected by TS or chronic tic disorders (CTD), of which 78 participants reported a positive SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data were collected to investigate tic severity and both the comorbidities, as well as lockdown-related changes to daily life activities and, in case of infection of SARS-CoV-2, possible symptoms of acute infection and long COVID. Markers of systemic inflammation including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ferritin, iron, electrolytes, white blood cell counts, platelet cell counts levels, markers of liver, kidney and thyroid function were analyzed. First, all patients were screened with the Schedule for affective disorders and Schizophrenia for School age children-present and lifetime (Kiddie-SADS-PL) to rule out primary psychiatric disorders considered as criteria of exclusion. Then, all patients were clinically assessed at baseline (T0), and after three months (T1) through the administration of Yale Global Tic Severity Rating Scale (YGTSS), Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC), Child Depression Inventory (CDI) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). RESULTS Among the cohort of TS patients that contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection, 84.6% (n = 66) experienced any acute symptoms, and long COVID symptoms occurred in 38.5% (n = 30). A worsening of clinical symptoms of tics and eventually associated comorbidities occurred in 34.6% (n = 27) of TS patients that contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection. TS patients with or without SARS-CoV-2 infection showed an increase in the severity of tics and also behavioral, depressive and anxious symptoms. Instead, this increase was more evident in patients who contracted the infection than in patients who did not contract it. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 infection may have a role in the increase of tics and associated comorbidities in TS patients. Despite of these preliminary results, further investigations are necessary to improve knowledge about the acute and long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 in TS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Prato
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy.
| | - Angela Maria Salerno
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Federica Saia
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Maugeri
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Alice Zanini
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Miriam Scerbo
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Rita Barone
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Renata Rizzo
- Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatric Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Catania University, Catania, 95124, Italy
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Pastorino GMG, Marino M, Aiello S, D’Auria R, Meccariello R, Santoro A, Viggiano A, Operto FF. COVID-19 Pandemic: 1-Year Follow-Up in Children and Adolescents with Neuropsychiatric Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3924. [PMID: 36900934 PMCID: PMC10001828 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few studies have focused on the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. The objective of our work was to evaluate the changes in emotional and behavioral symptoms in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders and the impact on parenting stress 1 year after the first national lockdown. METHODS We enrolled 369 patients aged 1.5-18 years of age referred to the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit of the University Hospital of Salerno (Italy) by their parents. We asked their parents to complete two standardized questionnaires for the assessment of emotional/behavioral symptoms (Child Behavior CheckList, CBCL) and parental stress (Parenting Stress Index, PSI) prior to the pandemic (Time 0), during the first national lockdown (Time 1) and after 1 year (Time 2), and we monitored the changes in symptoms over time. RESULTS After 1 year from the start of the first national lockdown, we found a significant increase of internalizing problems, anxiety, depression, somatization, and social and oppositional-defiant problems in older children (6-18 years), and a significant increase of somatization, anxiety problems, and sleep problems in younger children (1.5-5 years). We also observed a significant relationship between emotional/behavioral symptoms and parental stress. CONCLUSION Our study showed that parental stress levels increased compared to the pre-pandemic months and continues to persist over time, while internalizing symptoms of children and adolescents showed a significant worsening during 1 year follow-up from the first COVID-19 lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianna Marino
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Salvatore Aiello
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Raffaella D’Auria
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonietta Santoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Operto
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
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Plazas E, Faraone N. Indole Alkaloids from Psychoactive Mushrooms: Chemical and Pharmacological Potential as Psychotherapeutic Agents. Biomedicines 2023; 11:461. [PMID: 36830997 PMCID: PMC9953455 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress represent a substantial long-term challenge for the global health systems because of their rising prevalence, uncertain neuropathology, and lack of effective pharmacological treatments. The approved existing studies constitute a piece of strong evidence whereby psychiatric drugs have shown to have unpleasant side effects and reduction of sustained tolerability, impacting patients' quality of life. Thus, the implementation of innovative strategies and alternative sources of bioactive molecules for the search for neuropsychiatric agents are required to guarantee the success of more effective drug candidates. Psychotherapeutic use of indole alkaloids derived from magic mushrooms has shown great interest and potential as an alternative to the synthetic drugs currently used on the market. The focus on indole alkaloids is linked to their rich history, their use as pharmaceuticals, and their broad range of biological properties, collectively underscoring the indole heterocycle as significant in drug discovery. In this review, we aim to report the physicochemical and pharmacological characteristics of indole alkaloids, particularly those derived from magic mushrooms, highlighting the promising application of such active ingredients as safe and effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicoletta Faraone
- Department of Chemistry, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
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10
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Adolescents with Neuropsychiatric Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focus on Emotional Well-Being and Parental Stress. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10122368. [PMID: 36553892 PMCID: PMC9778093 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10122368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Introduction: The aim of our research was to explore emotional/behavioral changes in adolescents with neuropsychiatric conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and parental stress levels through a standardized assessment, comparing the data collected before and during the first months of lockdown. Moreover, an additional goal was to detect a possible relationship between emotional/behavioural symptoms of adolescents and the stress levels of their parents. (2) Methods: We enrolled 178 Italian adolescents aged between 12-18 that were referred to the Child Neuropsychiatry Unit of the University Hospital of Salerno with different neuropsychiatric diagnoses. Two standardized questionnaires were provided to all parents for the assessment of parental stress (PSI-Parenting Stress Index-Short Form) and the emotional/behavioral problems of their children (Child Behaviour Check List). The data collected from questionnaires administered during the six months preceding the pandemic, as is our usual clinical practice, were compared to those recorded during the pandemic. (3) Results: The statistical comparison of PSI and CBCL scores before/during the pandemic showed a statistically significant increase in all subscales in the total sample. The correlation analysis highlighted a significant positive relationship between Parental Stress and Internalizing/Externalizing symptoms of adolescent patients. Age and gender did not significantly affect CBCL and PSI scores, while the type of diagnosis could affect behavioral symptoms and parental stress. (4) Conclusions: our study suggests that the lockdown and the containment measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic could have aggravated the emotional/behavioral symptoms of adolescents with neuropsychiatric disorders and the stress of their parents. Further studies should be conducted in order to monitor the evolution of these aspects over time.
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Gabriel IWDM, Lima DGS, Pires JP, Vieira NB, Brasil AAGDM, Pereira YTG, Oliveira EGD, Menezes HLD, Lima NNR, Reis AOA, Alves RNP, Silva UPD, Gonçalves Junior J, Rolim-Neto ML. Impacts of COVID-19 on children and adolescents: A systematic review analyzing its psychiatric effects. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:1313-1322. [PMID: 36438679 PMCID: PMC9693832 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i11.1313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize the most relevant data from a systematic review on the impact of COVID-19 on children and adolescents, particularly analyzing its psychiatric effects.
METHODS This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and included experimental studies (randomized-individually or pooled-and non-randomized controlled trials), observational studies with a group for internal comparison (cohort studies-prospective and retrospective-and case-control) and qualitative studies in the period from 2021 to 2022.
RESULTS The search identified 325 articles; we removed 125 duplicates. We selected 200 manuscripts, chosen by title and selected abstracts. We excluded 50 records after screening titles and abstracts, as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. We retrieved 150 records selected for a full reading. We excluded 90 text articles and we selected 25 records for the (n) final. Limitations: Due to the short period of data collection, from 2021 to 2022, there is a possibility of lack of relevant studies related to the mental health care of children and adolescents. In addition, there is the possibility of publication bias, such as only significant findings being published.
CONCLUSION The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of children and adolescents is of great concern to child and youth psychiatry. Situations such as fear, anxiety, panic, depression, sleep and appetite disorders, as well as impairment in social interactions caused by psychic stress, are punctual markers of pain and psychic suffering, which have increasing impacts on the mental health panorama of children and adolescents globally, particularly in vulnerable and socially at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeully Pereira Pires
- Mais Médicos Program, Federal Government of Brazil-Ministry of Health, Iguatu 63048-080, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Nélio Barreto Vieira
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Cariri, Barbalha 63048-080, Ceara, Brazil
| | | | - Yara Talita Gomes Pereira
- Julio Alves de Lira Hospital and Maternity Hospital, HALHM, Belo Jardim 55157-290, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Erika Galvao de Oliveira
- Nursing Department, Doctor Leão Sampaio University Center-UNILEAO, Juazeiro do Norte 63.041-140, Ceara, Brazil
| | | | - Nadia Nara Rolim Lima
- Graduate Program (Post-Doctoral) in Neuro-Psychiatry, UFPE, Recife 50670-901, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Alberto Olavo Advíncula Reis
- Postgraduate Program (Master’s and Doctorate) in Public Health, University of São Paulo-USP, São Paulo 01246-904, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jucier Gonçalves Junior
- Internal Medicine-Division of Rheumathology at Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Malerba A, Iannattone S, Casano G, Lauriola M, Bottesi G. The Trap of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Italian Adolescents Fare Well at First, Maybe Thanks to Protective Trait Expression. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:1631. [PMID: 36360359 PMCID: PMC9688502 DOI: 10.3390/children9111631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Abundant research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has been negatively affecting mental health in adolescence. Few works, however, benefit from data from the same sample before and after the onset of the pandemic. The present longitudinal study involved a non-clinical group of 136 Italian adolescents (Mage = 16.3 years ± 1.08, 67% girls) to investigate their psychological response to the first lockdown and explore the role of a protective trait (i.e., Positivity) in moderating the effect of Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) on internalizing symptoms before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing psychopathological symptoms, psychological well-being, IU, and Positivity on three separate occasions: October 2019 (T1), January 2020 (T2), and April 2020 (T3). The results showed that internalizing and externalizing symptoms as well as psychological well-being did not vary significantly over time. Positivity was found to significantly moderate the relationship between IU and internalizing symptoms at T3 (i.e., during the COVID-19 lockdown) only. Overall, our findings suggest that the teenagers' good adjustment to the initial phase of the pandemic might have been associated with the enhanced weight of the Positivity trait, which may have encouraged a positive attitude towards self, life, and the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Malerba
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Sara Iannattone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Casano
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Lauriola
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gioia Bottesi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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13
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Raffagnato A, Iannattone S, Fasolato R, Parolin E, Ravaglia B, Biscalchin G, Traverso A, Zanato S, Miscioscia M, Gatta M. A Pre-Adolescent and Adolescent Clinical Sample Study about Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempt, and Self-Harming. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2022; 12:1441-1462. [PMID: 36286085 PMCID: PMC9600697 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe12100100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide is the second cause of death among adolescents, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is one of the main risk factors for suicidal behavior. However, the possible variables specifically associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, as well as the psychopathological characteristics linked to the concomitant presence of suicidal ideation/attempt and NSSI are still under-investigated in youth. The current study aimed to address these issues in a sample of 174 young Italian inpatients (Mage = 14.3 years ± 1.93, 78.2% girls). Sociodemographic and clinical variables were assessed through psycho-diagnostic interviews and ad hoc questionnaires. A binomial logistic regression was performed to identify the predictors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. Then, Kruskal-Wallis tests were run to analyze the psychopathological differences between patients with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt considering the coexistence of NSSI. The results highlighted that previous access to child mental health services and general psychopathological problems significantly predicted suicidal ideation, while previous hospitalizations, borderline personality functioning, and affective disorders significantly predicted suicide attempt. In general, inpatients with also NSSI reported higher levels of internalizing, somatic and total problems, impulsiveness, alexithymia, and emotional dysregulation. The clinical implications of our findings in terms of primary and secondary preventive programs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Raffagnato
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Iannattone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-827-6918
| | - Rachele Fasolato
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Elisa Parolin
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Benedetta Ravaglia
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Gaia Biscalchin
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Annalisa Traverso
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Zanato
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Marina Miscioscia
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Michela Gatta
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
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14
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Karbasi Z, Eslami P. Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic in children: a review and suggested solutions. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9512982 DOI: 10.1186/s43045-022-00240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The outbreak of coronavirus began in China in December 2019. It became a pandemic and a public health emergency. There have been numerous reports related to post-traumatic stress disorder outbreaks in the COVID-19 crisis. After a natural disaster, children are at a higher risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. The current study is a review of the scientific literature on the effect of COVID-19 on the prevalence of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in children. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases until February 02, 2022. The search strategy was based on a combination of the following keywords “child,” “COVID-19,” and “post-traumatic stress disorder.” Results By searching the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases, 173 articles were retrieved. After reviewing the inclusion criteria and in terms of eligibility, 10 articles met the inclusion criteria out of the remaining 46 articles. Based on the findings, 80% of the articles were cross-sectional and 20% of them were longitudinal. The articles reviewed in this study reported an increase in the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in children during or after the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions In summary, the findings of this review showed that restrictions and fears of COVID-19 had negative psychological effects on children. As well, one of the most important issues that arose at the time of the tragedy was that children were suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Given that post-traumatic stress disorder can be treated, it is essential to choose the appropriate therapeutic intervention approach in order to better deal with the negative effects in children.
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15
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Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in children generally have milder presentations, but severe disease can occur in all ages. MIS-C and persistent post-acute COVID-19 symptoms can be experienced by children with previous infection and emphasize the need for infection prevention. Optimal treatment for COVID-19 is not known, and clinical trials should include children to guide therapy. Vaccines are the best tool at preventing infection and severe outcomes of COVID-19. Children suffered disproportionately during the pandemic not only from SARS-CoV-2 infection but because of disruptions to daily life, access to primary care, and worsening income inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Chow
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356423, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Janet A Englund
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 4800 Sand Point Way NE - MA7.234, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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16
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Operto FF, Coppola G, Vivenzio V, Scuoppo C, Padovano C, de Simone V, Rinaldi R, Belfiore G, Sica G, Morcaldi L, D’Onofrio F, Olivieri M, Donadio S, Roccella M, Carotenuto M, Viggiano A, Pastorino GMG. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Adolescents with Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Emotional/Behavioral Symptoms and Parental Stress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073795. [PMID: 35409479 PMCID: PMC8997638 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the emotional and behavioral symptoms in minors with neuropsychiatric disorders and on parental stress through a standardized neuropsychological assessment, comparing the data collected before the pandemic with those collected during the lock-down. Another goal of our study was to analyze the relationship between parental stress and behavioral/emotional symptoms in children. Our study was conducted on 383 families of patients who had already been referred at the Child Neuropsychiatry Unit of the University Hospital of Salerno for different neuropsychiatric conditions. All the parents completed two neuropsychological standardized questionnaires for the assessment of parental stress (PSI—Parenting Stress Index-Short Form) and the emotional/behavioral problems of their children (Child Behaviour CheckList). The data collected during the pandemic were compared with those collected from questionnaires administered during the six months preceding the pandemic, as is our usual clinical practice. The comparison between the mean scores of PSI and CBCL before and after the pandemic showed a statistically significant increase in all subscales analyzed in the total sample. The correlation analysis showed significant positive relationship between the subscale Total Stress of PSI and the subscales Total Problems and Internalizing Problems of CBCL. Our study suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding measures adopted led to an increase in internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children and adolescents with neuropsychiatric disorder. Similarly, parental stress increased during COVID-19 and ahigher level of stress in parents can be related to the internalizing symptoms of their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Valentina Vivenzio
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Chiara Scuoppo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Chiara Padovano
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Valeria de Simone
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Rosetta Rinaldi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Gilda Belfiore
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Gianpiero Sica
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale Salerno, Via Nizza 146, 84124 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Lucia Morcaldi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Floriana D’Onofrio
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Miriam Olivieri
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Serena Donadio
- Department of Psychology, Educational and Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.D.); (M.R.)
| | - Michele Roccella
- Department of Psychology, Educational and Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.D.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco Carotenuto
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80100 Naples, Italy;
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
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17
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Iannattone S, Raffagnato A, Zanato S, Traverso A, Tascini B, Del Col L, Miscioscia M, Gatta M. Children with Psychopathology and Their Parents Facing the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case-Control Study. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2021; 18:324-333. [PMID: 35096079 PMCID: PMC8785424 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20210606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective This case-control study aimed to explore the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental well-being of pediatric psychiatric outpatients and their families, comparing them with children/adolescents and their parents from the general population. Method The case group consisted of 168 subjects: 56 patients (6-18 years old) with psychiatric disorders, and their 112 parents. The healthy control group included 189 subjects: 63 children and adolescents with no psychopathologies, and their 126 parents. Both groups were assessed during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Italy (T0) and 4 months later (T1), by administering the CBCL6-18 and DASS-21. Results Patients showed a good adaptation to the pandemic situation, while the children/adolescents in the healthy sample showed a greater variation in their general habits and a higher prevalence of stress symptoms during the lockdown. The patients’ parents likewise had fewer stress-related symptoms than caregivers in the healthy control group, both during the lockdown and 4 months later. At T0, patients’ mothers reported higher anxiety levels than mothers in the healthy group, while at T1 fathers of healthy children scored higher on the DASS-21 anxiety and stress scales than patients’ fathers. As concerns changes over time (T0-T1) in the parents’ psychological well-being, a general improvement was detected in both groups. Conclusions The pandemic and quarantine measures were confirmed as significant stressors for all children and adolescents, and negatively affected their parents’ adaptation. The findings of this study point to the need for preventive interventions to support the mental health of all parents and their children in uncertain and stressful times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Iannattone
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.I.); (A.R.); (S.Z.); (A.T.); (B.T.); (L.D.C); (M.M.); (M.G.), Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy,Corresponding author Sara Iannattone Department of General Psychology – University of Padua Via Venezia, 8 35131, Padua (PD), Italy E-mail:
| | - Alessia Raffagnato
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.I.); (A.R.); (S.Z.); (A.T.); (B.T.); (L.D.C); (M.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Silvia Zanato
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.I.); (A.R.); (S.Z.); (A.T.); (B.T.); (L.D.C); (M.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Annalisa Traverso
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.I.); (A.R.); (S.Z.); (A.T.); (B.T.); (L.D.C); (M.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Benedetta Tascini
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.I.); (A.R.); (S.Z.); (A.T.); (B.T.); (L.D.C); (M.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Lara Del Col
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.I.); (A.R.); (S.Z.); (A.T.); (B.T.); (L.D.C); (M.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Marina Miscioscia
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.I.); (A.R.); (S.Z.); (A.T.); (B.T.); (L.D.C); (M.M.); (M.G.), Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy, Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Michela Gatta
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.I.); (A.R.); (S.Z.); (A.T.); (B.T.); (L.D.C); (M.M.); (M.G.)
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