Global Journal of Medical Research, K: Interdisciplinary, Volume 22 Issue 3

43 Year 2022 Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XXII Issue III Version I ( D ) K © 2022 Global Journals The Psychological Effects of the Covid 19 Pandemic on Adolescents Overall, it was found that the mental health of adolescents during the pandemic worsened. A study conducted only two weeks after the pandemic began noted that approximately 40.4% of the participants experienced psychological problems (Liang et al., 2020). In the US, emergency department visits for mental health increased by 1.7% with an additional increase in suicide and suicide ideation by patients (Krass et al. as cited in Listernick & Badawy, 2021). Likewise, Ravens- Sieberer (2021) revealed that “the prevalence of noticeable mental health problems was 9.9% before the pandemic and increased to 17.8% during the pandemic.” This is a significant increase and a cause for concern. Of all the symptoms of psychological stress, the main reported mental health effects found affecting adolescents during this time were anxiety and depression. Listernick & Badawy (2021) reported that the rates of paediatric anxiety before the pandemic increased by approximately 9.6% in China while in Germany, it increased similarly by 9%. Studies in the United Kingdom also share similar findings and report that children have experienced a 75% increase in depressive symptoms during lockdown (Listernick & Badawy, 2021). Moreover, studies from India confirm the negative psychological impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine. The research compared the mental health states of quarantined and non- quarantined children. The results from this study showed that approximately 68% of quarantined children and adolescents experienced some form of psychological distress; a significant difference from the results from the non- quarantined individuals (Saurabh & Ranjan, 2020). Of these individuals, 66.1% experienced helplessness, 68.59% experienced worry and 61.98% experienced fear (Saurabh & Ranjan, 2020 as cited in de Figueiredo et al., 2021). An interesting observation made was that individuals (adolescents) infected with Covid -19 or individuals in contact with infected persons scored higher on depression, distress and anxiety scales (Essadek & Rabeyron, 2020). Additionally, it was found that girls scored higher on anxiety, distress and depression scales (Essadek & Rabeyron, 2020). Furthermore, the cause of these psychological changes in these adolescents was mainly attributed to social isolation and other pandemic-related restrictions (O’Sullivan et al., 2021; Margson et al., 2021). In the United Kingdom, a survey conducted by a mental health charity noted that 83% of respondents felt that the pandemic made their existing mental health conditions worse. Of this, 26% attributed these changes to limited mental health support due to reduced face-to-face services and communication challenges through the phone or online (Lee, 2020). Many students/ adolescents utilise the mental health services provided to them by their schools. With unpredictable lockdowns, quarantines and closure of schools, it has become increasingly difficult for them to get help and make use of these services. Other causes of worsening mental health include financial losses/ financial insecurity, increased social media use, domestic violence, family stress and even the mental health of their parents (Margson et al., 2021). As a result of the pandemic, physical distancing has posed a challenge for adolescents in their regular day-to-day interactions. It disallows the natural urge for physical touch, especially in situations where it is needed for comfort. This may harm adolescents as they may "bottle up" their emotions and are consequently left to cope with the emotional distress. The WHO has realised the impact that this is having on individuals and in an attempt to minimize the deleterious effects (of social distance on the physical well-being of minors), health professionals have developed guidelines for activities that can be performed at home depending on the reality of each family (WHO, 2020). Irrespective of this, during a stressful experience like physical distancing, it is natural to have more fights among teenage and younger siblings and families (RCN, 2020). It was noted that quarantined children may get an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, and a higher risk of developing mood disorders, psychosis, and even suicide attempts (Liu et al., 2020). Teenagers may feel isolated from their friends and face major disappointments as gradu ations, season s, and sporting events, and other planned events are cancelled or postponed. They may also experience frequent irritability, changes in weight or sleeping habits, repeated thoughts about an unpleasant ev ent, and conflicts w ith friends and family (HC, 2020). As compensation, they may indulge in activities allowing for substance abuse, depression, risky sexual behaviours, and they may even suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder according to the CDC (2020). Lastly, many adolescents may cope with the loneliness felt during the pandemic by binge eating. A recent study showed that school routines are important coping mechanisms specifically for young people with mental health issues (Lee, 2020). Furthermore, supporting studies show that periods without school are associated with decreased physical activity; increased screen time, irregular sleep patterns, and less appropriate diets in children and adolescents (Wang et al., 2020). The sudden occurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic has generated undeniable changes in the mental health of adolescents. These individuals are experiencing higher rates of anxiety, depression, post- traumatic stress and eating disorders, compared to the years prior to the start of the pandemic. This is in V. C onclusion