Increased prevalence and severity of psychiatric illness in hospitalized youth during COVID-19

Abstract

Background and objectives Previous studies have demonstrated an increase in mental health emergencies among youth seen in ambulatory and emergency room settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates rates of mental health-related consultation and markers of illness severity since the start of the pandemic. Methods We evaluated all pediatric patients admitted to a single children’s hospital from March 2019 to March 2021 who received psychiatry and/or psychology consults. We report the absolute number of these patients, as well as the proportion of all study site admissions who received such consults. Severity of psychiatric illness was described in terms of LOS, disposition, and use of restraints and psychotropic medications. Results The number and proportion of pediatric patients receiving psychiatry and/or psychology consults rose during the pandemic. Participants also became proportionally more female and older. The study population had higher odds of requiring restraints and antipsychotics during the pandemic. Conclusions More pediatric inpatients at the study site have required psychiatric care during the pandemic. The severity of mental illness in this population appears to have worsened based on increased utilization of as-needed psychotropic medications and restraints. These findings highlight the changes experienced by patients and providers during the pandemic and merit further study.

PFAPA flares observed during COVID outbreak: can emotional stress trigger PFAPA attacks? A multicenter cohort study

“…This period is parallel with our study period. During the pandemic there was an increase in hospital mental health related admissions among children and adolescents [16,17]. The information on triggers for PFAPA attacks is scarce.…”

Pediatric Consultation–Liaison Psychology: Insights and Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Research that directly addresses patient and family satisfaction of telehealth provision for inpatient pediatric psychology care is also needed as little is understood about how this modality of care delivery is received by pediatric inpatients. A better understanding of the efficacy and reception of virtual care could lead to increased access to care, particularly as many hospital systems are experiencing more admissions for youth with mental health concerns which has the potential to significantly tax existing CL services (Leith et al, 2022 ; Monroe et al, 2022 ). Thus, psychologists should continue to assess the advantages and disadvantages of returning to pre-pandemic modalities of care and consider approaches that maintain or increase care to underserved populations.…”

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Admission on Families: Results from a Nationwide Sample in Greece

“…Many factors exacerbate their mental wellbeing, including quarantine, infection fear, frustration, and financial loss [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Many studies reported that teenagers were particularly affected, as quarantine caused a sudden interruption of all their social activities [ 6 , 7 , 14 , 15 ]. During lockdowns, they engaged in less physical activity, experienced irregular sleeping patterns, and followed unhealthy eating habits.…”

“…During lockdowns, they engaged in less physical activity, experienced irregular sleeping patterns, and followed unhealthy eating habits. All these lead to increased symptoms of anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and depression [ 5 , 6 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“…Furthermore, parents of children with comorbidities such as immunosuppression and cystic fibrosis showed symptoms of emotional distress [ 3 ]. Despite the fact that there are many reports about the impact of the pandemic on parents and children’s mental wellbeing, data on parental stress level during their children’s hospitalization with COVID-19 are scarce [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. The aim of this present study was to the assess stress levels due to hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic on parents and their offspring.…”