[COVID-19, families and institutions put to the test in paediatric psychiatry]

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Mental Health Services

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated significant changes in healthcare delivery.
• Child psychiatry units faced unprecedented challenges in maintaining service provision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the reorganization of child psychiatric care during the COVID-19 lockdown.
• To outline the adaptation strategies employed by healthcare providers.
• To identify changes in patient symptomatology and presentation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of service reorganisation during lockdown.
• Observation of new clinical presentations and patient behaviours.
• Adaptation of care delivery tools and methods.

Main Results:

• Care provision was restructured to meet pandemic-related constraints.
• New tools and methods were implemented for remote or adapted care.
• Patients exhibited varied responses, including increased anxiety, panic attacks, and some disengagement from services.
• Staff demonstrated adaptability to ensure continuity of care.

Conclusions:

• Child psychiatry services successfully adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic's challenges.
• The pandemic highlighted the need for flexible and resilient mental health service models.
• Understanding evolving patient symptomatology in crisis contexts is crucial for effective intervention.