High Prevalence of Suicide and Self-Harm among Adolescent Mental Disorders in Huangshi during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era, China - Abstract
This study aimed to explore the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among adolescents and the associated factors that caused high suicide and self-harm rates among adolescents. A comprehensive statistical analysis based on clinical interviews and self-reports from patients or their parents was performed. DSM-5, ICD-11, and the National Institute Mental Health Research Domain Criteria were used as criteria for the diagnosis of mental disorders. SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis. This study included 742 adolescent patients; the gender ratio was 1.54 (female to male), and their ages ranged from 5 to 18. The majority of cases are in high school (625/742, 84.23%), and the highest prevalence occurred at 16 years. Family-related factors, academic stress, genetic factors, and school violence were the main reasons for adolescent mental disorders. A high prevalence of suicide (or suicidal attempts) and self-harm was observed in depressive and bipolar disorder among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analysis reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has strained family relationships and increased academic stress. An increasing trend of mental disorders among adolescents has been observed since 2018, particularly in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic directly or indirectly increased the suicide and self-harm prevalence among adolescents.