Study shows that anxiety and depression are common; The result highlights the importance of being aware of changes in behavior
Around 1 in 7 adolescents suffers from some mental illness, mainly anxiety and depression, shows a study published in October in , conducted by the WHO (World Health Organization) and Johns Hopkins University, in the United States.
In addition to these disorders, the article also points out high rates of alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, behavior problems and suicidal ideation. Around 1/3 of young people develop these diseases before the age of 14, and half develop them around the age of 18. Furthermore, many have psychosocial stress that goes undiagnosed.
The data were obtained after a review that included studies since 2010, seeking to identify the reasons that most impact the health and development of adolescents aged 10 to 19 worldwide.
For experts, several aspects explain the increase in mental health problems in this population, including the greater number of research carried out in this age group and greater access to information and better understanding of mental health issues, which has improved diagnoses.
The development of mental disorders involves the interaction of several factors, such as social, economic, psychological, cultural, genetic conditions, family history, as well as others such as physical and psychological abuse and recurrent stressful events. “There is no single causal factor, it is a sum of situations that can lead to changes and greater vulnerability to mental disorders”says the psychiatrist, from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.
The article also highlights the increase in feelings of loneliness, especially among girls, a phenomenon that doubled from 2012 to 2018. According to the authors, there is an association with the increased use of technology and social networks, which can lead to school exclusion and bullying.
“In fact, contact through social networks is more distant, generating more superficial relationships”assesses Okuda. “The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated social isolation, as children and adolescents lost school life and this impacted the formation of friendships and social functioning, everything was replaced by the online experience.”
How do you know if your child needs help?
Adolescence is a transitional phase, in which young people are developing their identity and have to deal with new expectations and responsibilities that can be a challenge to their mental health. It is a stage in which there is great group influence and many engage in risky behavior.
Therefore, it is essential to observe any change in attitude. “If family members, friends or teachers notice important behavioral changes, such as agitation, aggression, irritability, nervousness, sadness, discouragement; if you are more anxious, isolated, reclusive; If your social relationships and friendships decrease, you have a loss of appetite or changes in your sleep… all of this may be related to mental disorders”says the expert.
It is also worth being alert to changes in the way you speak, think and even dress or take care of yourself, if you smoke or drink – or if you increase this consumption – or if you have problems in relationships. These signs do not necessarily mean a disorder, as they are similar to changes typical of adolescence, but they can alert you to the need for professional guidance.
With information from .
