New research reveals dramatic increases in depression and anxiety diagnoses among U.S. youth during the pandemic, urging a reevaluation of mental health services for young people at risk.
Study: Depression and Anxiety Among US Children and Young Adults . Image Credit: Overearth / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open , a group of researchers evaluated the incidence, prevalence, and temporal changes in clinically diagnosed depression and anxiety among children, adolescents, and young adults from 2017 to 2021 while identifying associated disparities. Background Depression and anxiety are major mental health challenges affecting millions of United States (U.
S.) children, with an estimated annual societal cost of $247 billion. Surveys indicate increasing rates of these disorders, but there is limited knowledge about clinically diagnosed cases, especially during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Notably, clinical diagnosis rates are often lower than self-reported rates from surveys. Understanding disparities and long-term impacts is crucial, as well as exploring the underlying causes of this rise in mental health conditions among youths. Further research is necessary to address these gaps and improve interventions for managing depression and anxiety in children and adolescents, particularly in the context of the pandemic’s impact on mental health.
About the Study This population-based cohort study involved members aged 5 to 22 enrol.
