Mental Health and Behavior Difficulties for Children and Adolescents, during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown

T. Gkatsa*

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with adverse effects on the mental health and behavior of children and adolescents. Living conditions during the pandemic period, fear of death, threat and restrictive measures -such as isolation, limitation of social contacts, closure of the economy, loss of routine and activities- have been associated with psychosocial burden. Research studies confirm a wide range of emotional and mental difficulties, such as irritability, anxiety, distress, difficulty concentrating more serious psychosocial effects -such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and discomfort, substance use, and suicide. In pandemic conditions, during which social isolation and deprivation of social contacts prevail, children and adolescents show behavioral difficulties. Children regress to younger behaviors, manifesting forms of pre-social behavior, reactive / provocative, aggressive behavior, negation, upset, outbursts of anger, behavior without control, physical symptoms (hurts) and general difficulties of adjustment. Adolescents exhibit digital media addiction behaviors and risky behaviors. Significant deterioration is observed in the behavior of children with special needs, mental illness and social vulnerability.

Keywords

mental behavioral difficulties; children; adolescents; pandemic; COVID-19 lock down

Cite This Article

Gkatsa, T. (2021). Mental Health and Behavior Difficulties for Children and Adolescents, during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Special Issue: Sep 2021, Pages 7-15, URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Special-Issue-No.02-7-15.pdf

Publication In

Special Issue 2: Sep 2021 

COVID-19 PANDEMIC: BEFORE & AFTER