Mental health considerations for children & adolescents in COVID-19 Pandemic.

Nazish Imran,Muhammad Zeshan,Zainab Pervaiz

doi:10.12669/pjms.36.covid19-s4.2759

Abstract

Children are not indifferent to the significant psychological impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. They experience fears, uncertainties, substantial changes to their routines, physical and social isolation alongside high level of parental stress. Understanding their emotions and responses is essential to properly address their needs during this pandemic. In this article, we highlight children’s vulnerability, provide an overview of common symptoms of distress in different age groups, and summarize the interventions and resources available to promote child mental health and wellbeing during these challenging times. We advocate that prioritizing mental health including child & adolescent mental health is an essential component of any universal, community led response to COVID-19 Pandemic.

Highlights

The outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in December 2019 started in China and it was declared a pandemic in March 2020, by World Health Organization
It has affected more than 200 countries around the world with total number of COVID-19 patients being more than two million and number of deaths reported to be 177,338 as of 22nd April, 2020.1 Pakistan has been affected by the pandemic with more than 14,788 patients and 322 deaths till April 28, 2020.1 the number of children affected by the disease is small, and most of the affected children show only mild symptoms,[2] the disease and the containment measures are likely to negatively impact the mental health & well-being of children
Ignoring the immediate and long-term psychological effects of COVID-19 Pandemic would be disastrous, especially for children and young people, who account for almost 50% of population in Pakistan

Summary

Introduction

The outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in December 2019 started in China and it was declared a pandemic in March 2020, by World Health Organization. Clinginess, distraction, irritability, and fear that family members can contract the deadly disease were the most common behavioral problems identified.[5] Impact of current disease containment measures on child mental health: Pakistan, like many other countries, has asked its citizens to practice social distancing in order to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Results

Conclusion