Psychological and neurodevelopmental implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents – a review of research and reports

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of people all over the world, including children and adolescents. Despite various clinical images of infection and potential long-term effects of it, there is a wide range of psychological implications resulting from stress, anxiety, and a feeling of helplessness rooted in containment measures and lockdowns. Children and adolescents, as a special group, need determined conditions to develop and learn. Proper development depends on contact with peers, a regular daily schedule, setting new challenges, and, above all, a sense of security that adults should provide. In the time of the global pandemic, these requirements are very difficult to meet. Consequently, we observe an increase in the frequency of appearance of mental disorders in the youngest groups. The article presents current data on the number and type of disorders described in children and adolescents associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, proposed diagnostic tools for these disorders, and recommendations for the management of a child in need of psychological intervention. The problem of neurodevelopmental disorders in children born during the pandemic is also shown. The article uses available, selected scientific studies and data from national and international reports.