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Anxiety and depression symptoms among children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Benjamin Zablotsky1, Lindsey I Black1, Emily P Terlizzi1

  • 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, Hyattsville, MD.

Annals of Epidemiology
|September 17, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased anxiety and depression symptoms in children aged 5-17. National Health Interview Survey data reveal nearly one in six children experienced these symptoms during the pandemic, highlighting a rise in pediatric mental health concerns.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric mental health
  • Epidemiology
  • Public health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted children's routines, reducing social interactions.
  • Limited studies have examined the pandemic's impact on children's mental health using national data.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze changes in anxiety and depression symptoms among children aged 5-17 before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To examine these changes across various child and family characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the 2019 and 2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
  • Described prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in children aged 5-17.
  • Examined changes in prevalence by demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of daily or weekly anxiety/depression symptoms increased from 14.4% to 16.7% during the pandemic.
  • Statistically significant increases observed in males, younger children (5-11), non-Hispanic children, and those in low-income households or urban areas.
  • Children with higher parental education also showed increased symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • National Health Interview Survey data can monitor rising mental health issues in children.
  • This data can help identify children at risk for anxiety and depression symptoms.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnxietyChildrenDepressionMental healthSurvey

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