Depression during COVID-19 Pandemic: is There an Emergency?

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As attention is currently focused on the urgent need to address the impacts of the social isolation measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health, this study aims to determine whether the reported malaise and depression among this population is directly related to the pandemic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted an analysis of the review of the literature based on content in the leading medical databases, and reviewed empirical data regarding the number of psychiatric consultations, and markers of anxiety and depression in adolescents. RESULTS: Social isolation has clearly had a negative impact on adolescent mental health. However, while adolescent psychiatric consultations, and markers of anxiety and depression have increased, this increase has been present for many years. It is therefore difficult to establish a causal link between the two. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that adolescent mental health is an important problem that needs to be addressed as a priority, while care needs to continue even after social isolation measures have been lifted.