Risk of neuropsychiatric and related conditions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a difference-in-differences analysis.
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. This study aims 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, we conduct a retrospective analysis of 326,074 COVID-19 positive and 887,314 negative participants matched for risk factors and stratified by age. Neuropsychiatric outcomes are examined 28 to 179 days post-infection or negative test between March 2020 and December 2022. SARS-CoV-2 positivity is confirmed via PCR, serology, or antigen tests, while negativity requires negative test results and no related diagnoses. Risk differences reveal 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. 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.
Authors
Lu Lu, Tong Tong, Zhang Zhang, Chen Chen, Li Li, Lei Lei, Zhou Zhou, Aragon Aragon, Becich Becich, Blecker Blecker, Blum Blum, Christakis Christakis, Hornig Hornig, Hornig-Rohan Hornig-Rohan, Jhaveri Jhaveri, Jones Jones, Keebler Keebler, Kelleher Kelleher, Kim Kim, Mosa Mosa, Pajer Pajer, Platt Platt, Schwenk Schwenk, Taylor Taylor, Utidjian Utidjian, Williams Williams, Prasad Prasad, Elia Elia, Forrest Forrest, Chen Chen
View on Pubmed