Elevated BP among children and adolescents with ADHD during the initial UK COVID-19 lockdown: socioeconomic effects and possible indicator of mental stress

ABSTRACT

1809 Table 1Showing the weekly CVS changes among CYP with ADHDWks_Post CPL$No-PtsAvg-HRΔHRAvg-SBAvg-ΔSBAvg-DiBAvg-ΔDiB11284.41.6116.015.473.414.421180.61.9108.515.271.512.93892.69110.05.375.811.34987.78.2114.28.770.312.151579117.0-1569−9TOTAL4184.84.8112.711.272.512.3Rho−0.20.820.4−0.9−0.7−0.9P value0.750.090.50.04**0.190.04**LegendAvg – Average (excluding missing readings);No – Number;Pts – ADHD patients;Rho – Spearman Coefficient of correlation;CPL – Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown;HR – Heart Rate;SB – Systolic BP;DiB – Diastolic BP$ Week 1 starting from 26th March 2020;** Statistically significant;Δ Difference between pre- and post-CPL measurements.ConclusionsThe pandemic lockdown was associated with statistically significant increase in the HR, diastolic and systolic BP of all the CYP with A HD. This finding suggests that there was progressively increasing stress experienced during the lockdown by CYP with ADHD.It highlights the need of adequate provisions for effective preventive measures to address the significant stress among CYP during future lockdowns or similar emergencies.This study did not confirm any significant association between different areas of socio-economic deprivation and the observed changes in the CVS status of the CYP.ReferenceMahmood S et al. Non-pharmacological management of hypertension in the light of current research. Ir J Med Sci 2019 May;188(2)437–452.