Summary: A new study reveals that nearly 40% of children with long COVID are experiencing significant symptoms of anxiety or depression, many for the first time. Using validated mental health screening tools, researchers found that 1 in 4 children had new anxiety symptoms and 1 in 7 had new depressive symptoms, despite no prior mental health history.
These children reported a quality of life comparable to peers with serious illnesses like cancer or cystic fibrosis, with many expressing a deep sense of ineffectiveness and loss of confidence. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated mental health screening and early intervention in pediatric long COVID care.
Key Facts:
- New Onset: Nearly 40% of children with long COVID reported anxiety or depression; half had no prior diagnosis.
- Quality of Life: Mental health impact was comparable to that of serious chronic illnesses.
- Critical Risk: A child’s sense of ineffectiveness was the strongest predictor of poor life quality.
Source: Kennedy Krieger Institute
A new study from Kennedy Krieger Institute is calling attention to an emerging mental health crisis among children with long COVID.
Researchers found that nearly 40% of pediatric patients with long COVID reported feeling significant symptoms of anxiety or depression.
The study included 139 patients evaluated at Kennedy Krieger’s Pediatric Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Clinic. Clinicians used mental health screening surveys to assess symptoms reported by the patients.
The screenings also included measures of key aspects of quality of life including: physical functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning, and school functioning.
More than 1 in 3 children reported that they were experiencing elevated symptoms of anxiety or depression (i.e. worry, sleep problems, and mood irritability).
Dr. Laura Malone, director of the clinic and co-investigator in this research, says half of these children had no prior mental health concerns or diagnosis.
“Long COVID is a complex condition,” said Malone. “We’re seeing children and teens who were doing well before their COVID infection now struggling to attend school, socialize, or even enjoy basic activities.”
Key findings include:
- 1 in 4 children had new anxiety symptoms, and 1 in 7 had new depressive symptoms, despite no prior diagnosis—a sign long COVID is triggering new mental health challenges.
- On average, children reported a quality of life similar to peers with cancer or cystic fibrosis, underscoring the severe functional impact of the condition.
- The strongest predictor of poor quality of life was a “sense of ineffectiveness,” like feeling unable to succeed in life or enjoy activities.
“These children are losing confidence in themselves and their ability to participate in daily life,” said Dr. Malone.
“That loss of function can be just as devastating as the physical symptoms. It is important to identify and treat both to improve quality of life for children with long COVID.”
While previous studies have hinted at long COVID’s mental health toll, this is one of the first to use standardized, validated measures of mental health issues in a pediatric long COVID population.
The study also warns that traditional screening tools may not capture the full picture, since physical symptoms of long COVID (like fatigue or dizziness) can overlap with those of anxiety or depression.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger urge healthcare providers to integrate routine mental health screening into care for children with long COVID. Early identification could mean faster access to the right interventions, therefore helping kids recover more quickly.
About this long COVID and mental health research news
Author: Taylor Gleason
Source: Kennedy Krieger Institute
Contact: Taylor Gleason – Kennedy Krieger Institute
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: The findings will appear in Journal of Psychology
