Institute researchers have published findings on children and young peoples’ mental health during different phases of the pandemic.

Using data gathered during the STADIA trial researchers and clinicians, led by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Mental Health, and the University of Nottingham, focused on children and young people who have been referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) across different areas of England, including Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Published in the European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry journal, their findings suggest there were greater levels of mental health difficulties amongst clinically referred children and young people after returning to school following pandemic-related national lockdowns and school closures. The findings indicate that levels of clinically significant difficulties were higher after schools had re-opened and suggest possible greater stresses in the adjustment to re-starting school following recurrent lockdowns and school closures.

This unique study focussed on children and young people referred for specialist mental health care - routine referrals to CAMHS. The study, led by Professor Kapil Sayal (Honorary Consultant in NHCFT CAMHS), used a repeated cross-sectional design to look at data from over 1000 children in England prior to and during different phases of the pandemic. Amongst those referred to CAMHS after schools had re-opened following periods of closures, young people’s self-reports were suggestive of higher levels of emotional problems, depression, and impairment.

Professor Kapil Sayal said: “These findings might reflect possible greater worries and stresses for young people in relation to their return to school after an up-to-6-month gap, and associated pressures around academic learning, re-establishing friendships, and peer relationships, and re-adjusting to and managing structured daily routines.

“The study highlights the importance of asking young people directly and giving prominence to their perspectives and lived experiences. It is crucial that clinicians, parents, and teachers are aware of the impacts of the pandemic-related cycles of school closures and re-openings on the mental health of children and young people who have been referred to CAMHS. It is vital for CAMHS to have close links with schools to best support children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, after returning to school.”

Meanwhile, investigators including CANDAL's Dr Charlotte Hall explored the Impact of Home Confinement on Children and Young People with ADHD and ASD During the COVID-19 Pandemic, using data from the Co-Space study.