Anxiety and depressive symptomatology among children and adolescents exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review

Background/Aim. Children and adolescents are sensitive groups for the development of mental disorders during crisis. The aim this systematic review was to assess impact COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety depressive symptomatology in population children adolescents. Methods. investigation based a followed by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Reviews Meta-Analyses) protocol, including Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, APA Psyc Info databases, identify relevant studies reporting symptoms among pandemic. A total 27 articles were included. Results. Anxiety increased from 28.3% before 49.5% confinement [General Disorder (GAD)-7 ? 11)] (McNemar test, p < 0.0001). More found, as well weight sleep disturbances which characteristics adolescents? health. Additionally, female teenagers experiencing grater declines mood than male On one hand, different positive correlations between other variables, such clinical (3/14), smartphone internet addiction (2/14), lower levels family income perceived threats higher grades at school loneliness (1/14). reported depression that socially disconnected (3/17). Finally, mothers with level education associated happiness (2/17). Conclusion. has strong health regarding symptoms. Prevention programs focused coping strategies should be conducted elementary schools, middle high schools. Mental become priority matter governments, current could an opportunity highlight importance well-being invest betterment trainings, treatments research.