A study by the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) showed that at least 22.5 percent of children developed a significant fear of Covid-19 while 42.3 percent suffering from irritability and inattention.

Children with pre-existing behavioral problems have a high probability of worsening of their behavioral symptoms, said the study titled 'Psychological and behavioral impact of lockdown and quarantine measures for Covid-19 children on pandemic, adolescents and caregivers.' Children as young as two years of age are aware of the changes around them and get affected by it, the study observed. "Fifteen studies describing 22,996 children/adolescents fulfilled the eligibility criteria from a total of 219 records.

Overall 34.5 percent, 41.7 percent, 42.3 percent and 30.8 percent of children were found to be suffering from anxiety, depression, irritability and inattention," the study said. It further observed, "52.3 percent and 27.4 percent of caregivers developed anxiety and depression, respectively, while being in isolation with children." Dr Sheffali Gulati, faculty AIIMS, Department of Paediatrics who headed the analysis said.

Studies that were previously done on epidemics caused by SARS, Ebola and Middle East respiratory syndrome came up with high prevalence of 'adverse psychological consequences on both children and adults.

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