INCREASED INCIDENCE OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS DURING SOCIAL ISOLATION DUE TO THE SARS-COV-2 PANDEMIC: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Since the decree by the World Health Organization (WHO) of a worldwide pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, social isolation measures impact children and adolescents mainly due to factors such as the importance of peers and group interaction for this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate in the literature the impact of the new coronavirus pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents. METHODS: This is a scope review, covering articles in English or Portuguese produced between 2019 and 2021, which addressed the mental health of children and adolescents in the pandemic context. RESULTS: A search was carried out for articles addressing the topic on the PubMed, SciELO and BVS platforms. From a total of 15 articles initially, six were selected. All selected studies show an evidenced relationship between symptoms of anxiety and depression and the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Studies indicate that the pandemic was a potential aggravating factor in the development of mental health disorders among children and adolescents, indicating a need to develop preventive actions, prepare health professionals and develop government strategies for reversal this experienced scenario and its consequences.