Self-harm in children and youth - impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. COVID-19 pandemic caused many disruptions in the daily routines of children and adolescents, which may have influenced their mental health. This study aimed to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-harming behaviors, including non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts in children and youth seeking psychiatric help. Methods. Retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing data from medical documentation of 1129 outpatients, aged between 10 and 18, who had their first psychiatric examination at the Institute of Mental Health in Belgrade, Serbia between March 1, 2019 and August 31, 2021. The frequency of NSSI and suicide attempt during the pandemic was compared to a one-year period before the pandemic. Results. Proportions of patients with NSSI were higher in both years during the pandemic (18.1%; 27.7%) compared to the year before (12.6%), especially in the second year of the pandemic, with a marked increase in March 2021. NSSI was more frequent in girls, older adolescents, those living in incomplete families and those with a history of abuse. No significant change in the frequency of suicide attempts related to the COVID-19 pandemic was found. Conclusion. Significant increase in the frequency of NSSI, markedly during the second year of the pandemic, especially in children and youth with additional factors of vulnerability, calls for further attention from both professionals and policymakers, as well as preventive measures for this vulnerable group during stressful times.