{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Stress Dynamics in Families with Children with Neuropsychiatric Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Three-Year Longitudinal Assessment.
{Author}: Gruescu ACS;Popoiu C;Levai MC;Burtic SR;Sanda II;Neda-Stepan O;Rosca O;Fericean RM;Dumitru C;Stelea L;
{Journal}: J Clin Med
{Volume}: 12
{Issue}: 22
{Year}: 2023 Nov 18
{Factor}: 4.964
{DOI}: 10.3390/jcm12227170
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families with children diagnosed with neuropsychiatric disorders, focusing on stress dynamics and quality of life.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A longitudinal survey was conducted over three years (2020-2022) involving 168 families. The survey included data on demographics, diagnosed conditions, access to therapies, mental well-being, and perceived challenges.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The study involved 62, 51, and 55 families in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. ADHD emerged as the most prevalent condition, diagnosed in approximately 32% of the children. The pandemic significantly affected therapy access, with parents reporting a decrease from an average score of 8.1 in 2020 to 6.5 in 2022 (p = 0.029). Parents also reported increased feelings of being overwhelmed, peaking at 8.0 in 2021 before declining to 6.3 in 2022 (p = 0.017). Despite these challenges, there was a positive trend in family mental well-being, with scores increasing from 5.1 in 2020 to 6.7 in 2022 (p = 0.031). The Parental Stress Index (PSI) indicated decreasing trends in Emotional Stress and Parent-Child Communication Difficulties (p < 0.001), and Behavioral Challenges in children showed a significant reduction across the years (p < 0.001). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) reflected a moderate reduction in anxiety levels from 7.6 in 2020 to 6.0 in 2022 (p = 0.038), although depression scores did not show a significant change.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The COVID-19 pandemic introduced notable challenges for families with neuropsychiatrically diagnosed children, particularly in therapy access and increased parental stress. However, the study also reveals a general improvement in family dynamics, mental well-being, and a decrease in behavioral challenges over time. The necessity of this study stems from the critical need to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families with neuropsychiatrically diagnosed children, focusing on their resilience and adaptation in navigating therapy access, parental stress, and overall mental well-being.