The cross-referencing of several study results revealed a significant increase in mental disorders in children following the health crisis and confinements. A national study, based on data collected from more than 15,000 children, teachers and parents, indicates that 13% of children aged 6 to 11 have at least one probable mental health disorder.
Emotional disorders, oppositional disorders and ADHD are among the most commonly seen problems. Specifically, 5.6% of children have a probable emotional disorder, including anxiety disorders such as separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, and specific phobias, as well as depressive disorders. About 6.6% of children have probable oppositional disorder, characterized by angry mood, quarrelsome or defiant behavior. Finally, 3.2% of children show probable symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The study was unable to assess the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, due to a lack of data prior to the crisis for this age group. However, a complementary survey carried out by the Statistical Directorate of the Ministry of Health shows that psychological distress among children and adolescents has been exacerbated by the crisis. Between March 2020 and July 2021, 12% of boys and 13% of girls aged 3 to 17 consulted a health professional for psychological problems, compared to only 7% of boys and 6% of girls before the crisis.
If we take into account the children whose parents believe that they would have needed professional psychological assistance but did not consult it, it is estimated that almost 15% of children would have required care for psychological difficulties, or nearly one in six children. These figures underline the extent of the psychological consequences of the health crisis on children.
 Sophie de Duiéry
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20/06/2023 | 
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