FINDINGS reveal the effect of the pandemic on mental health in youth, showing a significant increase in depression and anxiety diagnoses during COVID-19. Conducted by researchers from Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, the new study analyzed data from 1.7 million individuals aged 5 to 22 between 2017 and 2021, highlighting troubling trends.
The incidence of depression surged by 55.6%, increasing from 1.35% in 2017 to 2.10% in 2021. Anxiety diagnoses also rose, with a 31.1% increase during the same period. The spike was particularly notable in adolescents aged 14 to 22, females, and those with obesity or underweight, indicating weight status as a key predictor of mental health outcomes.
While the COVID-19 pandemic intensified these trends, the research also emphasized pre-existing mental health concerns, as yearly increases began before the pandemic. This highlights the ongoing need for enhanced mental health services for young people, particularly those facing socioeconomic or weight-related challenges.
These findings urge healthcare providers to reevaluate current mental health screening and intervention strategies, especially as schools and other support systems grapple with the pandemic’s lasting impact. Understanding the roles of weight status, age, and socioeconomic factors in youth mental health could guide more targeted interventions for at-risk populations.
As youth mental health issues continue to rise, this study calls for immediate action to prevent long-term consequences for this vulnerable demographic.
Reference: Xiang AH et al. Depression and anxiety among US children and young adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(10):e2436906.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
