Isolation In Children Is Fraught With Depression Even Years Later

Isolation in children is fraught with depression even years later

The effects of loneliness can appear even after nine years, the risk of depression increases threefold.

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This opinion was expressed by scientists in a review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Scientists drew conclusions based on the analysis of more than 60 studies conducted earlier. They believe that the psychiatric service must be prepared for the surge in the prevalence of these pathologies.

A literature review has shown that young people who feel lonely have a three times higher risk of developing depression in the future than those who do not. The effects of loneliness in childhood and adolescence are felt for at least nine years.

“Our analysis clearly shows that there is a strong link between loneliness and depression among young people, both immediately and in the long term. We know that this effect can sometimes be delayed, it can take up to 10 years before we really understand the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on mental health,”said Dr. Maria Loades, clinical psychologist at the University of Bath. co-author of the review.

The reviewers recently wrote an open letter to UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. In it, they stated that the quarantine relief should provide for all children the time and opportunity to play with their peers, even if social distancing guidelines have not generally been canceled. They believe that children's emotional well-being should be prioritized over academic performance.

“The poor emotional state of children leads to long-term mental problems, poor academic performance and significant economic burden,” the scientists said.