Work

Practitioner review: health anxiety in children and young people in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Year: 2020

Type: review

Abstract: Health-related fear is a normal and common response in the face of the global pandemic of COVID-19. Children and young people are frequently being exposed to messages about the threat to health, including from the media and authorities. Whilst for most, their anxiety will be proportionate to the threat, for some, existing pre-occupation with physical symptoms and illness will become more problematic. There is a growing body of evidence that health anxiety may occur in childhood, however much of the literature is taken from research using adult samples. This practitioner review aims to give an overview of the assessment and treatment of health-related worries in children and young people in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review is based on the limited existing evidence in this population and the more substantial evidence base for treating health anxiety in adults. We consider the adaptations needed to ensure such interventions are developmentally appropriate.

Source: Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy

DOI: 10.1017/s1352465820000636

Authors: A. Haig-Ferguson, K. Cooper, E. Cartwright, M.E. Loades, J. Daniels

Institutions: University of Bath, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, University of Bristol

Language: English

Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,920