Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 15% of the global burden of disease in this age group. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-29 years old, underscoring the urgency of addressing adolescent mental health.
Adolescence is a unique and formative time characterized by physical, emotional, and social changes. Exposure to poverty, abuse, or violence can make adolescents particularly vulnerable to mental health problems. An estimated 14.3% of 10-19-year-olds experience mental health conditions, yet these remain largely unrecognized and untreated. Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent, occurring in an estimated 4.1% of 10-14-year-olds and 5.3% of 15-19-year-olds. Depression is estimated to occur among 1.3% of adolescents aged 10-14 and 3.4% of those aged 15-19.
Multiple factors affect mental health during this critical period. The consequences of failing to address adolescent mental health conditions extend into adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives. Behavioral disorders are more common among younger adolescents, with ADHD occurring in 2.7% of 10-14-year-olds and 2.2% of 15-19-year-olds. Eating disorders commonly emerge during adolescence and young adulthood, occurring in an estimated 0.1% of 10-14-year-olds and 0.4% of 15-19-year-olds. Anorexia nervosa has higher mortality than any other mental disorder.
Adolescence is a crucial period for developing social and emotional habits important for mental well-being, including adopting healthy sleep patterns, exercising regularly, developing coping and problem-solving skills, and learning to manage emotions. Protective and supportive environments in the family, school, and wider community are essential for healthy development.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health