COVID-19 and psychiatric disorders among young people: a cross-sectional study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant rise in mental health issues was observed. Particularly, children and adolescents have shown a higher risk of developing mental disorders than adults. This study aimed to describe the evolving features of the requests for psychiatric emergency interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic in young people. We conducted a cross-sectional study comparing the number, characteristics, and symptoms of people aged between 12 and 18 years old attending one Emergency Department (ED) for psychiatric issues, considering three different periods: T0 (8 March 2019-7 March 2020), T1 (8 March 2020-7 March 2021), and T2 (8 March 2021-7 March 2022). Total admissions were 220: 99 (45%) during T0, 40 (18.1%) for T1, and 81 (36.8%) for T2 ( P < 0.001). A significant decrease in the mean age from T0 to T1 was found ( P < 0.01). Admissions for psychomotor agitation decreased, while admission due to anxiety disorder and nonsuicidal self-injury raised significantly ( P < 0.05), as for first psychiatric presentation ( P < 0.01). Regarding substance use, a significant reduction was observed ( P < 0.05). The rates of eating disorders ( P < 0.001) and early insomnia ( P < 0.01) increased from T0. These findings highlight the worsening of psychiatric symptoms in the young population during the COVID-19 pandemic.