The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019, brought immense disruption to individuals and societies worldwide, including children and adolescents. Alongside its immediate physical health impacts, the pandemic had a profound effect on mental health. Children and youth were particularly vulnerable due to school closures, social isolation, and the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic's progression.
This review provides an extensive analysis of pediatric mental health data from various countries, synthesizes theoretical frameworks, and discusses clinical implications for managing the psychological sequelae of the pandemic. Prevalence of pediatric anxiety and depression during the pandemic Studies have consistently shown a global rise in anxiety and depression among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression prevalence ranged from 2.
2% to 11.8% globally, with one notable study suggesting that 25% of youth experienced depressive symptoms. In countries such as the United States, 44% of adolescents reported feelings of hopelessness, and similar increases were seen across countries including Canada and Australia.
Anxiety symptoms were reported by 20% of youth worldwide, with higher rates documented in Denmark (44%) and Canada (45%). Suicidal behavior Suicidality also increased during the pandemic, with a 50% rise in emergency room visits for suicidal ideation among U.S.
girls between 2019 and 2021. In Catalonia, Spain, there was a 195% increase in suicidal .
