Background/Objectives: This study analyzes the impact of PFAPA syndrome (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the psychological functioning of children and adolescents aged 2 to 1 years. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 62 participants (31 males and 31 females) diagnosed with PFAPA. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Family Impact Module scale of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were used to assess psychological functioning and HRQoL, respectively. Results: Participants exhibited predominantly low HRQoL, particularly in physical health and emotional functioning. School functioning was also affected. However, social functioning and family relationships showed more favorable scores. A positive correlation was observed between age and emotional symptoms. Family concern was the most significantly impacted aspect. Conclusions: PFAPA syndrome has a significant impact on the HRQoL of affected children and adolescents, particularly in physical and emotional aspects. A holistic approach is necessary for disease management, considering not only physical symptoms but also psychosocial and academic factors, as well as the impact on the family.

E presentan los resultados de una investigación prospectiva sobre problemas psicopatológicos en niños y adolescentes durante el confinamiento por COVID-19, de marzo a mayo de 2020. 422 pacientes del Equipo de Salud Mental Infanto-Juvenil de Burgos, de edades entre 3 y 18 años de edad fueron seguidos telefónicamente, registrándose puntuaciones GAF de estado de salud, síntomas, y diagnóstico. Para analizar la evolución, diferenciamos cinco etapas del confinamiento. Se compararon estadísticamente las puntua- ciones GAF antes y durante el confinamiento, sus cambios en las etapas, la evolución de los síntomas por etapas, y la evolución del GAF por diagnósticos. Los resultados sugieren que el estado de salud mental de los menores no empeoró tras el inicio del confina- miento, no hubo etapas de empeoramiento, no hubo diferencias en la sintomatología referida, y no hubo empeoramientos en ningún cuadro diagnóstico. Se concluye que durante el período estudiado no se evidenciaron efectos psicopatológicos significativos.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic generated uncertainty and disruption among the child and adolescent population. Multiple studies have documented a worsening of mental health following the pandemic. The main objective of this longitudinal study is to analyze the short-, medium-, and long-term evolution of the overall functioning of children and adolescents treated by a child and adolescent mental health team in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 420 patients aged 3 to 18 were assessed using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale at three time points: during the lockdown, three months later, and three years later. Differences based on gender, diagnosis, and time were analyzed. Results: A significant improvement was observed in the short-term (three months) and long-term (three years) compared to the lockdown period. This improvement was maintained in all diagnostic subgroups except for mixed cases (severe mental pathology), which showed the least improvement. No significant differences were found between males and females. Conclusions: The child and adolescent population showed a greater capacity for adaptation to the lockdown than expected. Family support, decreased stress, and therapeutic intervention appear to have played an important role in improving mental health.