May 21, 2022
Adolescents and young adults at an early epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. experienced increased depression and anxiety symptoms, particularly amongst females. School and home confinement concerns related to the pandemic were independently associated with changes in symptoms. Overall, this report suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is having multifarious adverse effects on the mental health of youth. In Spring 2020, nearly all education in the U.S. transitioned to remote learning and colleges across the country closed their dorms, forcing students to move, typically back home with their families, and limiting social interaction with peers. A recent review on the relationship between mental health and loneliness/social isolation in children and adolescents warned that COVID-19 social distancing measures may be particularly detrimental for youth (Loades et al., 2020).