Evaluation of COVID-19-related psychological distress in parents of children referring to a child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic: a university hospital sample

Abstract

Aims

We aimed to determine parents’ levels of anxiety and fear and suspicion in relation to the COVID-19 period and the possible predictive factors for these variables in families admitted to a child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Turkey. In this way, it is hoped to contribute to the identification of priority target groups in psychosocial support services.

Method

The research study group consisted of 600 patients aged 0–18 years and their parents who were referred to a child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Parents completed the COVID-19-related psychological distress (CORPD) scale and the data recording form developed specifically for this study. All cases included in the study were examined by a child and adolescent psychiatrist for diagnostic evaluation and their current diagnoses were recorded.

Results

Parents of children with any psychiatric diagnosis had higher suspicion scores on the CORPD scale and parents of children with high COVID-19-related anxiety also had higher anxiety and fear scores on the same scale. Logistic regression analysis revealed that negative changes in family relationships increased the risk of higher maternal COVID-19-related suspicion.

Conclusions

The most important factors associated with parental high CORPD levels were negative changes in family relationships and children with high COVID-19-related anxiety. Children’s high COVID-19-related anxiety levels were associated with living with a single parent or separation from parents, negative changes in family relationships, previous COVID-19 infection in the family, and changes in daily routines.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• psychological distress
• mental health
• parents
• children

Acknowledgments

We want to thank all parents and adolescents who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yasemin Taş Torun

Yasemin Tas Torun, MD graduated from medical school at the Hacettepe University, completed her residency in child and adolescent psychiatry at Gazi University. She is currently a clinical child and adolescent psychiatrist and assistant professor at Gazi University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry department. Her research has focused on neurodevelopmental disorders.

Samet Can Demirci

Samet Can Demirci, MD, is a research assistant in Gazi University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department.

Hesna Gül

Hesna Gul, MD, graduated from medical school at the Hacettepe University, completed her residency in child and adolescent psychiatry at Ankara University, Turkey. She is currently a clinical child and adolescent psychiatrist in the Gulhane Education and Research Hospital. Her research has focused on adolescent depresssion and associated clinical problems.

Gamze Demir

Gamze Demir, MD, is a research assistant in Gazi University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department.

Elvan Işeri

Elvan Iseri, MD, graduated from medical school at the Hacettepe University, completed her residency in child and adolescent psychiatry at Gazi University. She is currently a clinical child and adolescent psychiatrist, professor and director of Gazi University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department.