According to an investigation by La Diaria, the isolation episodes affected the mental health, socialization and bonding aspects of minors.
According to the publication, symptoms of depression and anxiety worsened; Suicidal behavior and complete self-elimination increased.
The lack of socialization spaces such as schools, clubs, recreation areas and interaction with peers led to problems with bonding among young children.
For forensic psychologist Adriana Savio, there was a “negative assimilation” of isolation. Personality and antisocial disorders increased, as did depression and sadness.
The vice president of the Uruguayan Society of Pediatrics, Walter Pérez, pointed out that mood and behavioral problems in children have increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic.
The most common consultations included suicide attempts and depression in this population, where symptoms of depression and anxiety appeared to worsen.
He also highlighted the presence of extreme depressive disorders, severe eating disorders and anorexia nervosa.
Between 10 and 20 percent of daily hospital admissions in the post-pandemic period are motivated by psychosocial problems.
Among the most important are children and adolescents with attempts at self-elimination, suicidal acts and self-inflicted injuries, said doctor and professor Gustavo Giachetto, pediatrician at the Pereira Rossell Hospital.
At the same time, according to the latest report of the overall system for the protection of children and young people from violence, more than seven thousand cases of violence against children and young people were registered in 2021 and 2022, while in the previous two years there were no They reached five thousand.
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