2025/07/24 by Yiwen Lu, Jiayi Tong, Dazheng Zhang +27 · 1 voice
Medicine · Psychology · #Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 #COVID-19 and Mental Health #COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
paper · pdf · doi:10.1038/s41467-025-61961-1
openalex publication_date 2025/07/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
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. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about increased neuropsychiatric conditions in children and youths, with potential links to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, the authors analyze EHR data from 25 institutions, showing that COVID-19 positive children and youths have a modestly increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD, compared to those who tested negative.