Post-COVID-19 increases in depression and other psychiatric disorders among Saudi children and adolescents
-
By
-
March 19, 2026
Objective:
To evaluate changes in psychiatric diagnostic patterns among pediatric referrals before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in a large Saudi tertiary healthcare system and compare these trends with Gulf and international findings, highlighting their significance.
Key Findings:
- Significant increases in depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, sleep–wake disorders, feeding and eating disorders, and total psychiatric referrals were observed post-pandemic, with specific percentage increases noted.
- These findings align with Gulf regional and international literature indicating increased psychiatric morbidity among youth.
Interpretation:
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a marked rise in psychiatric disorders among Saudi youth, necessitating expanded screening and early intervention strategies to mitigate long-term impacts.
Limitations:
- The study is limited to a single healthcare system, which may not represent the broader population.
- Data from 2020 was excluded, potentially affecting the understanding of trends during the pandemic and limiting the analysis of the full impact of COVID-19.
Conclusion:
The pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of Saudi youth, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced mental health services and interventions.
