HQ Team
February 18, 2025: A new study from Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine reveals a troubling rise in childhood mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders—such as anxiety, ADHD, and autism—and the association of the critical role of caregiver mental health in shaping children’s well-being.
The research, published in Pediatric Reports, analyzed data from the National Survey of Children’s Health from 2019 to 2022, offering insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated these challenges.
Caregiver connection
One of the most striking findings was the strong link between caregiver mental health and childhood disorders. Caregivers who reported “fair” or “poor” mental health were significantly more likely to have children with severe anxiety, behavioral issues, or ADHD. For example, in 2020, caregivers with “poor” mental health had 3.7 times higher odds of having a child with severe behavioral problems. Similarly, in 2022, caregivers with “fair” or “poor” mental health were 4.6 and 4.4 times more likely, respectively, to have a child with severe ADHD compared to those with “excellent” mental health.
The study found significant increases in the prevalence and severity of childhood disorders over the three-year period. Anxiety in children rose from 9.5% in 2020 to over 11% in 2022. Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and ADHD also saw a steady climb, reaching 12.8% in 2022. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence increased from 3% in 2019-2020 to 4.25% in 2022.
Behavioral and conduct problems rose from 9.2% in 2019 to 10.3% in 2022, while childhood depression showed a slight increase from 2.3% in 2019 to 2.4% in 2022. However, depression severity fluctuated, peaking at 6.8% in 2021.
“Our study highlights the lasting impact of caregiver mental health on childhood disorders, particularly anxiety, behavioral problems, and ADHD,” said Dr. Lea Sacca, senior author of the study and an assistant professor at FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine. “The COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the time children spent with caregivers, revealed a strong connection between severe childhood anxiety and lower caregiver mental health, suggesting that these effects may be long-term rather than temporary.”
The broader context
The findings align with broader trends in childhood mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 7 children aged 2–8 years in the U.S. has a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. The pandemic has only intensified these challenges, with studies showing increased rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues among children worldwide.
While parenting behavior is influenced by many factors, one factor that has been shown to be important is caregiver depression. Depression is common among mothers with young children, with global prevalence levels ranging from 13 to 21%.
Recent studies have linked poor cognitive development in rural China to an absence of positive parenting practices and depression among the main caregivers—mothers and grandmothers. One study in the UK found that if the mother scored in the top 15% of a normal population for depressive symptoms, her child’s risk for a mental disorder at age 13 were doubled
While the present study did not find significant links between caregiver mental health and childhood depression or autism, it underscores the need for a holistic approach to addressing childhood mental health. “Evidence-based programs should focus on strengthening family dynamics, promoting healthy caregiver-child relationships, and supporting caregivers’ emotional well-being,” said Dr. Sacca.
Policy implications
The researchers urge policymakers to consider external factors, such as the lingering effects of the pandemic, when designing public health strategies. Trauma-informed, multidisciplinary care that addresses both children’s and caregivers’ needs could help mitigate the socioeconomic impact of these disorders.
The study’s primary author, Austin Lent, emphasizes the importance of early intervention and support for families. “Strengthening caregiver mental health is not just about helping adults; it’s about creating a healthier environment for children to thrive,” said Lent.
