Forthcoming Issue Vol 19 No. 3 Long-term mental health and wellness of South African children treated for MIS-C, an observational study

Main Article Content

Dr. Deepthi R. Abraham
Dr. Nurea A. Yunis
Prof. Marieke M. Van der Zalm
Prof. Helena Rabie
Prof. Richard H. Glashoff
Dr. Anusha Lachman

Abstract

Data on mental health and wellness of children with Multi Inflammatory Syndrome in children (MIS-C) from Africa remains limited. This study reports on the long-term mental health of twenty-seven such patients using age appropriate developmental, clinical and neuropsychiatric validated scales, 6-24 months after the initial diagnosis. Nineteen (70%) did not meet any criteria for psychiatric disorders. Eight participants met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders fifth edition (DSM-5) criteria for a pre-MIS-C-dated psychiatric diagnosis: three (11%) met the criteria for an anxiety disorder, 3(11%) for adjustment disorder, 1(4%) for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) only, and 1(4%) for both Anxiety and ADHD. None met the diagnostic criteria for psychotic illnesses, sleep issues, mood disturbances, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to MIS-C. The study enabled recognition and management of pre-dated MIS-C mental health risk and psychiatric diagnosis.

Article Details

How to Cite
Forthcoming Issue Vol 19 No. 3: Long-term mental health and wellness of South African children treated for MIS-C, an observational study. (2025). South African Journal of Child Health, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.7196/
Section
Short Reports
Author Biographies

Dr. Deepthi R. Abraham, Pediatric Rheumatology and Immunology Clinical Services, Department of Pediatrics and Child-Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Stellenbosch University Cape Town, South Africa

Clinical Head, Pediatric Rheumatology and Immunology Clinical Services, Department of Pediatrics and Child-Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa

Dr. Nurea A. Yunis, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.

Paediatric Rheumatologist Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.

Prof. Marieke M. Van der Zalm, Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa

Associate Professor and Paediatric Specialist, Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.

Prof. Helena Rabie, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

Professor and Clinical Unit Head, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.

Prof. Richard H. Glashoff, Immunology Unit, Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.

Principal Scientist, Immunology Unit, Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.

Dr. Anusha Lachman, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Tygerberg Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.

Head of Clinical Unit, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Tygerberg Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.

How to Cite

Forthcoming Issue Vol 19 No. 3: Long-term mental health and wellness of South African children treated for MIS-C, an observational study. (2025). South African Journal of Child Health, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.7196/

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