In a global study published in JAMA Psychiatry, researchers have uncovered the staggering impact of mental disorders on children and young adults worldwide. The study, based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data, estimates that over 293 million individuals aged 5 to 24 years are living with a mental disorder. This accounts for 11.63% of the global youth population—a crisis that demands urgent attention.
Mental Health by the Numbers
The study provides a detailed breakdown of prevalence across four age groups: 5-9 years, 10-14 years, 15-19 years, and 20-24 years. It reveals a significant rise in mental health disorders as children transition into adolescence and early adulthood.
| Age Group | Prevalence of Mental Disorders (%) |
|---|---|
| 5-9 years | 6.80% (5.58-8.03) |
| 10-14 years | 12.40% (10.62-14.59) |
| 15-19 years | 13.96% (12.36-15.78) |
| 20-24 years | 13.63% (11.90-15.53) |
The Most Common Mental Disorders
Among all mental disorders, anxiety disorders were the most prevalent, affecting approximately 84 million young individuals worldwide. Depressive disorders, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), and conduct disorders also showed high prevalence rates.
| Mental Disorder | Global Prevalence (%) |
| Anxiety Disorders | 3.35% (84 million) |
| Depressive Disorders | 2.69% (67 million) |
| ADHD | 2.14% (54 million) |
| Conduct Disorder | 1.02% (25 million) |
Mental Disorders: A Leading Cause of Disability
Mental disorders accounted for 31.14 million years lived with disability (YLDs), making them the leading cause of disability among young people. Substance use disorders (SUDs), including alcohol and drug use, contributed an additional 4.30 million YLDs.
| Age Group | YLDs from Mental Disorders (Millions) |
| 5-9 years | 2.98 |
| 10-14 years | 6.79 |
| 15-19 years | 10.57 |
| 20-24 years | 13.91 |
Gender Differences in Mental Health
The study highlights distinct gender differences in mental health conditions. Boys were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and conduct disorder, while girls had higher rates of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
| Disorder | More Prevalent in | Ratio (Boys:Girls) or Percentage |
| ADHD | Boys | 3:1 |
| Autism Spectrum Disorder | Boys | 4:1 |
| Conduct Disorder | Boys | 2:1 |
| Anxiety Disorders | Girls | 2:3 |
| Depressive Disorders | Girls | 2:3 |
| Eating Disorders | Girls | 9:1 |
Why This Matters
These findings underscore the urgent need for age-specific mental health interventions. Mental disorders often begin early in life, and without proper intervention, they can lead to academic struggles, unemployment, incarceration, and even suicide.
“Understanding the burden of mental disorders in children and young adults is essential for designing effective policies and interventions,” says lead researcher Dr. Christian Kieling.
What Can Be Done?
Governments, schools, and healthcare providers must take coordinated action to tackle this crisis. Some key recommendations include:
- Early screening and intervention in schools and communities.
- Improving access to mental health services, especially in low-income countries.
- Reducing stigma around mental health to encourage treatment-seeking behavior.
- Implementing gender-specific strategies for mental health support.
Conclusion
Mental health disorders are one of the greatest challenges facing young people today. With one in ten children and young adults affected, it is time for governments and communities to take action. Early intervention and support can change the trajectory of millions of lives worldwide.