What is it about?
This systematic review provides an in-depth analysis of the psychosomatic problems adolescents faced during and after the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic times. The study highlights that while sleep disturbances and headaches were the most common issues before the pandemic, the pandemic exacerbated these issues, alongside other symptoms like irritability, low mood, and difficulty concentrating. The review also identifies a gender disparity, with female adolescents reporting more psychosomatic complaints than males. Based on its findings, the study calls for tailored, gender-specific resilience and coping programs to address the mental health challenges faced by adolescents during crises like the pandemic. This research contributes to understanding how global crises impact adolescent mental health and underscores the need for proactive, evidence-based interventions.
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Why is it important?
The research is unique and timely as it addresses the critical yet underexplored impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents' psychosomatic health. By systematically comparing pre-pandemic and post-pandemic data, this study identifies significant changes in the prevalence and types of psychosomatic complaints, such as sleep disturbances, headaches, and low mood. It also highlights gender disparities, with female adolescents reporting higher levels of psychosomatic issues. The findings are vital for developing targeted mental health interventions and resilience-building programs for adolescents. This work contributes to the global understanding of adolescent mental health, offering a comprehensive framework for preparing effective responses to future crises.
Perspectives
Writing this article was both a challenging and rewarding experience, as it allowed me to delve into a pressing and globally relevant issue: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent psychosomatic health. Collaborating with my co-author was a privilege, as it brought together diverse perspectives and expertise, enriching the quality of our analysis. This work has deepened my understanding of the far-reaching consequences of global crises on mental health and reinforced the importance of timely, evidence-based interventions. I hope that our findings inspire further research and contribute meaningfully to developing better strategies for supporting adolescent well-being in future public health challenges.
Meenakshi Shukla
University of Allahabad
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Psychosomatic Problems Among Adolescents During/Post the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review, Adolescent Psychiatry, November 2024, Bentham Science Publishers,
DOI: 10.2174/0122106766307916240626104350.
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