Toxic Stress Affecting Families and Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Mental Health Crisis and an Emerging International Health Security Threat

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created numerous risk factors for families and children to experience toxic stress (TS). The widespread implementation of lockdowns and quarantines contributed to the increased incidence of domestic abuse and mental health issues while reducing opportunities for effective action, including social and educational interventions. Exposure to TS negatively affects a child’s development which may result in a lasting impact on the child’s life, as measured by tools, such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) score. When TS becomes highly prevalent within a society, it may develop into a health security threat, both from short- and long-term perspectives. Specific resources to combat the pandemic have been put in place, such as COVID-19 vaccines, novel therapeutics, and the use of telemedicine. However, the overall implementation has been challenging due to a multitude of factors, and more effort must be devoted to addressing issues that directly or indirectly lead to the emergence of TS. Only then can we begin to reduce the incidence and intensity of pandemic-associated toxic stress.

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