COVID-19 Pandemic Effects on Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Patients in Emergency Department

Autor: Manuel Murciano, Roberto Averna, Umberto Raucci, Nicoletta Della Vecchia, Anna Maria Caterina Musolino, Maria Pontillo, Mara Pisani, Milena Labonia, Sebastian Cristaldi, Maria Laura Pucciarini, Raffaella Nacca, Valentina Annarosa Ferro, Antonino Reale, Stefano Vicari, Alberto Villani, Massimiliano Raponi
Rok vydání: 2022
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1228666/v1
Popis: Objective: Italy was the first country affected in Europe by the new coronavirus disease pandemic, so a national lockdown was set up. Side effects were anxiety, discomfort and social pressure, among others. This study analyses the characteristics of adolescent who required emergency help for neuropsychiatric disorders in the year before and after lockdown beginning. Methods: Data were collected from 1428 patients aged 12-18 years who enter the Emergency Department with a diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders in a pediatric tertiary Hospital in Rome, between March 2019 and March 2021.Results: History of previous neuropsychiatric episodes (pConclusion: Rates of suicide ideation and attempts were higher during some months but admission for psychomotor agitation was reduced after lockdown, probably due to protective factors, like anxiety reduction referred to school performances and the major presence of parents at home. First lockdown forced children and parents at home; second lockdown left children lonely for most of the day. Patients waited longer before going to the emergency room in the post-lockdown phase, probably because the media focus on pandemic and the fear of contagion in hospital. Breaks in schooling can lead to educational inequalities over time.
Databáze: OpenAIRE