Behavior changes in children/adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

Abstract Objectives: to describe behavioral changes related to mental health in children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder during social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: this is a systematic review conducted under the PRISMA protocol (2020) in the PubMed, SciELO and VHL databases, with a period of 2019-2022. Results: 3,735 studies were screened and ten were selected, according to the eligibility criteria. The sample had 4,688 participants. There was evidence of a worsening of signs and symptoms regarding the mental health of this population, expressed mainly through changes in mood, with increased anxiety, sadness or depressed symptoms, in addition to increased hyperactivity. Behavioral changes also included reduced sleep quality and physical activity, and increased use of digital technologies and screen time. Conclusions: it was described that children and youth groups, especially those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, had increased emotional symptoms and conduct problems when compared to before the pandemic, making it possible to recognize the negative repercussions of the changes imposed by it. These factors are important for planning more effective care strategies.