In the best of times, adolescence is a period of difficult transition and maturation toward adulthood. A stressor, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may amplify aspects of this journey, negatively impacting mental health. Teens have been affected by the abrupt withdrawal from school, social life and outdoor activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some experienced new or increased domestic violence. Social isolation and loneliness, changes in diet and physical activity, increased internet activity, and other effects of the pandemic restrictions can stimulate the release of chemicals from the brain. Activation of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, hormones, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and other biochemicals increase the risk for a wide range of short-term as well as longer-term effects and disorders.

Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions Can Produce Short- and Long-term Adverse Effects

The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of teens might be reflected by recently reported study findings showing the proportion of hospital presentations of pediatric patients with mental health disorders increased compared with the earlier year: suicidal ideation/suicide attempts (60.3% vs 49.7%), depression (70.4% vs 63.4%), anxiety (50.5% vs 46.0%), and obsessive compulsive and related disorders (3.0% vs 1.8%). Hospital admissions for eating disorders doubled, from 6.9% to 13.8%, while those for substance-related disorders increased by nearly 50% (9.2% vs 6.7%). Results of other studies support these effects of the pandemic.  Further, decline in mental health in teens can lead to engagement in unhealthy behaviors.

Role of Acupuncture for Mental Health in Teens

The first step is recognition that a teen might be experiencing a mental health problem. Watching for the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety, as examples, might assist parents/caregivers, teachers, and others involved in the teen’s life identify a problem early. 

Acupuncture can be an effective non-medication (vs pharmacotherapy), non-verbal (vs psychotherapy) therapeutic option for mental health problems in teens. A review of studies showed that complementary and alternative medicine therapies, including acupuncture, significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as positively impacted stress, sleep quality, negative emotions, and quality of life in COVID-19 patients. 

Generally, there is strong scientific evidence supporting the use of acupuncture as an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Similarly, acupuncture, added to antidepressants or as a single treatment can positively affect depressive symptoms. Compared with antidepressants, acupuncture has the advantages of fast onset and long-term efficacy in the treatment of depression. Acupuncture also avoids the side effects associated with medications. The majority of teens and children receiving acupuncture have no issues with “needling” and report benefits of the therapy.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teens, coupled with an already recognized difficult period of life, mandates screening for mental health problems, especially in those at increased risk, and devising and implementing a management plan. Acupuncture, which has been shown to treat several mental health disorders and related consequences effectively, offers a safe and well-tolerated option.

Joan Arata is the owner of Modern Acupuncture, located at 176 Columbia Turnpike in Florham Park, NJ. For more information, call 973-765-9500 or visit ModAcu.com/nj001. See ad, page 47.