COVID Restrictions and ADHD
Do you work with students who have ADHD? A recent research article took a closer look at the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on children with ADHD. To examine the association between COVID restrictions and ADHD during the lockdown in Australia last Spring, 213 parents completed a survey.
Results of the Study on COVID Restrictions and ADHD
Following data analysis the researchers determined that compared to the pre-pandemic period of time the children with ADHD during COVID restrictions had:
- less exercise.
- less outdoor time.
- less enjoyment in activities.
- increased television time.
- increased social media use.
- increased gaming.
- increased sad or depressed mood.
- increased loneliness.
COVID 19 stress in the children was associated with increased general worry, sadness, anxiety/nervousness, fidgety behavior, fatigue, distractibility, irritability, loneliness, and negative thoughts.
Most parents (64%) though did report positive changes for their child including more family time.
Conclusion
The researchers concluded that the stress associated with lockdown (e.g., less social contact, cancellation of events and extra-curricular activities, changed routine) may possibly be associated with poorer mental health in children with ADHD. Overall, the COVID-19 restrictions for children with ADHD were associated with both positive and negative impacts.
The researchers suggested that following restrictions, providers can help families develop a media plan to reduce screen time and use a fading approach to slower reduce problems areas and increase exercise and outdoor time.
Reference
Sciberras, E., Patel, P., Stokes, M. A., Coghill, D., Middeldorp, C. M., Bellgrove, M. A., … & Bellows, S. T. (2020). Physical Health, Media Use, and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents With ADHD During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia. Journal of Attention Disorders, 1087054720978549.
