Behavioral and Emotional Problems in Children with Pre-existing Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Problems during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the prevalence of various emotional and behavioural changes associated with the COVID-19 outbreak experience on children with pre-existing psychiatric or neuro developmental illness.
Methods: Following ethical approval, data was collected in July-August, 2020. Parents of children receiving
treatment from child mental health services in a tertiary care hospital were contacted and a structured
questionnaire was used to collect data on emotional and behaviour changes noticed in their child, impact on
daily routine and educational activities since the lockdown. Data was analyzed by SPSS-26.
Results: parents participated. The Mean age of children was 8.67 + 4.25 and 59% were male.
Neurodevelopmental disorders and emotional problems were the predominant diagnoses in children. A
significant proportion of parents (143; 63.6%) noticed changes in their children's emotional state and
behaviors during the lockdown. Two-thirds of the parents believed that their child's anger has worsened
during lockdown with increased likelihood of getting into arguments with family (49.8%), more behavioural
problems (43.1%), and being more irritable (39%). Every fourth parent reported worsening anxiety and
nervousness in their children. Majority of parents mentioned disruption in children's routines with increased
screentime and less physical activities and adverse impact on educational activities. 35% parents admitted to
feeling stressed and facing difficulties in managing their children's behaviour in the prevailing situation.
Conclusions: Significant worsening of emotional and behavioural problems was noted during COVID-19
outbreak among children with preexisting psychiatric problems. Policies should take into consideration the
implications of the lockdown for this most vulnerable group and supportive interventions for the immediate
and the future should be promoted