The Toll of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health in the Young

Globally, one in four youths exhibit elevated depression symptoms, and one in five show elevated anxiety symptoms.

Multiple studies have indicated that adverse mental health outcomes are on the rise among youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, although estimates have varied widely. To generate more-precise prevalence estimates for depression and anxiety, investigators conducted a meta-analysis of all available studies worldwide. In all, 29 studies met quality requirements (e.g., used a mental health measurement tool) and provided quantitative prevalence data. These studies encompassed 80,879 patients (mean age, 13 years; 53% female). Fifty-five percent of studies were conducted in East Asia, 21% in North America, 14% in Europe, and the remainder in Central or South America and the Middle East.

The pooled worldwide prevalence rates were 25% for elevated clin…

Reviewing Author

James A. Feinstein, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Editorial BoardsPediatrics

James A. Feinstein, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Editorial BoardsPediatrics

The Toll of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health in the Young

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Reviewing Author