Anxiety and depression rise sharply in young people after pandemic - study finds

The study covered people between the ages of 10 and 24 and showed a consistent pattern across the globe.

In 2021:

• 15-16 per cent of young people had mental disorders
• anxiety and depression were the most common
• these were the ones that saw the biggest increases during the pandemic

It also found that mental disorders remain one of the main causes of reduced quality of life in this age group.

Details

The period 2020-2021 was a watershed.

Against a backdrop of isolation and stress increased:

• anxiety states
• depressive episodes
• general psychological distress

At the same time, substance use disorders decreased on average - probably due to restrictions and lifestyle changes.

The study showed notable differences:

• depression and eating disorders are more commonly recorded in girls
• boys are more likely to have ADHD and autism spectrum disorders

In addition, rates of mental health disorders were higher in high-income countries.

Why it matters

The authors emphasise: the mental health effects of the pandemic will be felt for a long time to come.

This means there is a need

• increased psychological care
• more accurate prevention programmes
• age- and gender-sensitive risk management

The pandemic has amplified already existing mental health problems among young people and made them more visible.

According to scientists, this is one of the key challenges for health systems in the coming years.

Source

The study is published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry and is based on global data from 1990-2021.