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COVID-19

COVID-19 Pandemic Linked to Increased Neuropsychiatric Conditions in Children and Youths

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Children and youths who tested positive for COVID-19 had a higher risk of developing various neuropsychiatric conditions compared to those who did not contract the virus, according to a recent study published in Nature Communications. The research, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, analyzed data from over 326,000 COVID-19 positive participants and 887,000 negative participants, matched for risk factors and stratified by age. The study found that children faced increased risks for anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, and other conditions, while youths exhibited elevated risks for anxiety, suicidality, depression, and related symptoms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased neuropsychiatric conditions in children and youths, with evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute additional risks beyond pandemic stressors.
  • The study aimed to assess the full spectrum of neuropsychiatric conditions in COVID-19 positive children (ages 5-12) and youths (ages 12-20) compared to a matched COVID-19 negative cohort, accounting for factors influencing infection risk.
  • Using EHR data from 25 institutions in the RECOVER program, the researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of 326,074 COVID-19 positive and 887,314 negative participants matched for risk factors and stratified by age.
  • Neuropsychiatric outcomes were examined 28 to 179 days post-infection or negative test between March 2020 and December 2022.
  • SARS-CoV-2 positivity was confirmed via PCR, serology, or antigen tests, while negativity required negative test results and no related diagnoses.
  • Risk differences revealed higher frequencies of neuropsychiatric conditions in the COVID-19 positive cohort.
  • Children face increased risks for anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, and other conditions, while youths exhibit elevated risks for anxiety, suicidality, depression, and related symptoms.
  • The researchers concluded that these findings highlight SARS-CoV-2 infection as a potential contributor to neuropsychiatric risks, emphasizing the importance of research into tailored treatments and preventive strategies for affected individuals.
  • Financial supporters for this research include National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA, National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA.

Statistics:

  • 326,074 COVID-19 positive participants were analyzed in the study.
  • 887,314 COVID-19 negative participants were also analyzed in the study.
  • The COVID-19 positive cohort exhibited higher frequencies of neuropsychiatric conditions compared to the COVID-19 negative cohort.
  • Children face increased risks for anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, and other conditions (93.12% of COVID-19 positive participants vs. 73.42% of COVID-19 negative participants).
  • Youths exhibit elevated risks for anxiety, suicidality, depression, and related symptoms (85.62% of COVID-19 positive participants vs. 64.29% of COVID-19 negative participants).

Sources:

  • Risk of Neuropsychiatric and Related Conditions Associated With Sars-cov-2 Infection: a Difference-in-differences Analysis. Nature Communications, 2025;16(1). Nature Communications can be contacted at: Nature Portfolio, Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany.
  • NewsRx. Research Conducted at University of Pennsylvania Has Updated Our Knowledge about COVID-19 (Risk of Neuropsychiatric and Related Conditions Associated With Sars-cov-2 Infection: a Difference-in-differences Analysis). Pediatrics Week. August 30, 2025; p 420.

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