Keywords
Hospital morbidity
Mental disorders
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze reported cases of hospital morbidity due to mental and behavioral disorders in the Unified Health System (SUS) between 2015–2017 (pre-pandemic period) and 2023–2025 (post-pandemic period, with preliminary data from 2025), focusing on the age groups from 1 to 19 years and in different regions of the country. Methods: The research used secondary data from the Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS), with a documentary and quantitative approach. Results: The highest incidence was observed among adolescents aged 15 to 19, totaling more than 21 million cases in the pre-pandemic period, and a significant increase to more than 25 million cases in the post-pandemic period, especially in the South and Southeast regions, which account for the majority of reports. The pandemic exacerbated factors such as social isolation, heavy use of social media, and restrictions on mental health services, contributing to the increase in severe cases requiring hospitalization. The higher concentration of cases in regions with better infrastructure highlights inequalities in access to diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: It is concluded that tackling mental disorders in children and adolescents requires intersectoral policies, expanded psychosocial care, and qualified access to specialized services.
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