Alarming Increase in Anxiety and Depression Among Children with Long COVID

A recent study conducted by the Kennedy Krieger Institute highlights a concerning mental health crisis in children experiencing long COVID. The research involved evaluating 139 pediatric patients attending the institute’s Pediatric Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Clinic. Utilizing mental health screening surveys, clinicians identified that nearly 40% of these children exhibited significant symptoms of anxiety or depression, including worry, sleep disturbances, and mood irritability. Notably, over one-third of the children reported these mental health issues despite having no prior psychological diagnoses.

Dr. Laura Malone, the director of the clinic and co-author of the study, emphasized that long COVID presents a complex array of challenges. Many children previously healthy before infection are now struggling to attend school, socialize, or enjoy daily activities, which severely impacts their quality of life. The study revealed that 25% of children developed new anxiety symptoms, while 14% experienced new depressive symptoms—all without previous mental health conditions. On average, these children’s quality of life was comparable to that of peers dealing with serious physical illnesses like cancer or cystic fibrosis.

One of the key predictors of reduced well-being was a sense of ineffectiveness or feelings of inability to succeed, which significantly affected their motivation and participation in daily life. Dr. Malone highlighted that this loss of confidence can be as devastating as physical symptoms, underscoring the importance of comprehensive care.

This research is among the first to apply validated mental health assessment tools specifically in a pediatric long COVID population. It also raises awareness about how physical symptoms such as fatigue or dizziness can overlap with anxiety and depression, potentially complicating diagnosis.

Health care providers are urged to incorporate routine mental health screenings into the management of children with long COVID. Early detection of psychological issues can facilitate quicker intervention, ultimately improving recovery outcomes and quality of life for affected children.

This study underscores the critical need for integrated approaches to treat both physical and mental health symptoms associated with long COVID in children, to prevent lasting impacts on their development and well-being.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-alarming-anxiety-depression-children-covid.html