@article{article_1762947, title={The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment Processes in Children and Adolescents}, journal={Turkish Medical Journal}, volume={10}, pages={129–140}, year={2025}, DOI={10.70852/tmj.1762947}, author={Harmanci, Şeyma and Tural Hesapçıoğlu, Selma and Aydin Ayva, Dilan and Kaygisiz, Esra and Kafalı, Seda and Ceylan, Mehmet}, keywords={Dikkat Eksikliği ve Hiperaktivite Bozukluğu, Çocuk ve Ergen Psikiyatrisi, Yataklı Servis, Ruh Sağlığı Hizmetleri, Nörogelişimsel Bozukluklar, Pandemi}, abstract={Objective: This study aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on inpatient treatment processes in child and adolescent psychiatry by comparing three distinct periods: pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and post-pandemic. Methods: Clinical data of a total of 768 patients who were hospitalized in the child and adolescent psychiatry inpatient unit of a university hospital between April 1, 2018, and January 31, 2024, were retrospectively reviewed. Sociodemographic variables (age, sex) and clinical variables (diagnosis, length of stay, number of admissions, history of suicide attempts, presence of comorbid diagnoses) were compared across three time periods. Results: During the pandemic period, a statistically significant increase was observed in the hospitalization rates of patients diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (p < 0.05). Although hospitalization rates for patients diagnosed with depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorder, and anxiety disorders increased during the pandemic period, these increases were not statistically significant. The mean age of patients increased during the pandemic period, and the rate of comorbid diagnoses was markedly higher compared to previous periods. Additionally, the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the mental health of children and adolescents, particularly increasing the need for inpatient treatment among individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. The findings highlight the necessity of maintaining the sustainability of child and adolescent mental health services world wide even under extraordinary circumstances such as a pandemic. Therefore, strengthening child mental health services and developing supportive policies targeted at vulnerable groups are crucial for preparedness in future similar crises.}, number={4}, publisher={Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi Yenimahalle Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi}