Abstract
PurposeThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of adolescents is of great concern, especially in the vulnerable group of adolescents with chronic medical conditions. The aim of this study was to examine this impact on the mental health of adolescents with chronic medical conditions treated in a German pediatric outpatient clinic. MethodsChanges in the mental health status of adolescents with chronic medical conditions treated in a German pediatric outpatient clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic were explored via validated screening tools for anxiety and depression. ResultsThe relative risk for adolescents with chronic medical conditions to develop clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety or depression was significantly higher (odds ratio 1,78 [confidence interval 1.06–3.04]) during the pandemic. DiscussionThis study identifies the COVID-19 pandemic as a potential additional risk for adolescents with chronic medical conditions to develop clinically relevant signs of anxiety or depression.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
