Rising levels of anxiety and depression detected in youth, according to new research
In a recent study, researchers from the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have shed light on the increasing rates of anxiety and depression among young people, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study found that rates of anxiety and depression have been steadily increasing, with a notable surge during the pandemic. Adolescents, in particular, have been vulnerable due to their critical developmental stage when emotional and social habits are formed. Risk factors include individual-level stress, family issues, and community disruptions.
The review of 21 studies involving 87,486 participants under 19 found increased long-term symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially in adolescents, because of pandemic-related disruptions such as lockdowns and social distancing. Moreover, youths who contracted COVID-19 had a significantly higher risk of developing anxiety disorders.
National data from 2022–2023 show nearly 1 in 5 adolescents (18%) experienced a major depressive episode in the past year, with 40% of high schoolers reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness. This is a sharp rise compared to a decade ago.
Girls and LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected, with higher rates of depression and anxiety noted during the pandemic in several countries.
The study's findings call for more work to be done in understanding the potential causes of these increasing mental health concerns among young people. Potential solutions discussed in the literature include increasing access to professional mental health services specialized for children and adolescents, implementing school- and community-based mental health programs, family-based interventions, and public health policies that balance COVID-19 prevention with mental health needs, facilitating safe social interactions.
Dr. Heffernan, the study's lead author, stated that their findings underscore the critical need to prioritize youth mental health. Senior author Michelle Macy, M.D., M.S., also stated that continued attention and resources are warranted at a national level to clarify and address the potential causes of worsening anxiety and depression in children and adolescents.
Interestingly, the study also found a decrease in severe headaches/migraine rates and asthma rates during the same period, suggesting a more complex picture of young people's health during the pandemic.
The NSCH (National Survey of Children's Health) provides data on various aspects of children's lives, including mental and physical health, health care access, and family, neighborhood, school, and social context. The researchers compared the rates of mental health conditions and physical health conditions before, during, and after the pandemic using data from the NSCH.
As the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that the mental health of children and teens has continued to worsen. Addressing these challenges requires multi-level interventions including enhanced mental health services, supportive school environments, and family and community engagement. The researchers hope that more work is done to better understand why children's mental health is worsening and what healthcare providers can do to combat this trend.
The study highlighted a surge in the rates of anxiety and depression among young people, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the crucial role of mental health-and-wellness in the health of children and adolescents. The findings underscore the importance of prioritizing science-based strategies, such as increasing access to mental health services for children and adolescents, implementing school-based mental health programs, and acknowledging the unique mental health challenges faced by girl and LGBTQ+ youth.
