More than 1 in 10 children and adolescents now experience anxiety, about 1 in 22 suffer from depression, according to new research.
Depression and anxiety are increasing steadily among children and teenagers.
According to a new study, 10.6% of young people experienced anxiety in 2022, up from 7.1% in 2016. At the same time, depression among children hit 4.6%, up from 3.2%.
The lead researcher says these “findings underscore the critical need to prioritize youth mental health, which continued to worsen even as we emerged from the pandemic.”
She says parents and schools need more support to better help children experiencing depression and anxiety.
The researchers analyzed data from the National Survey of Children’s Health and found while mood disorders are increasing, some physical conditions are decreasing.
Asthma and severe headaches or migraines declined significantly between 2016 and 2022, according to the results. Behavior and conduct problems remained about the same.
The authors say continued resources are needed at the national level to determine why anxiety and depression are worsening in children and adolescents.
Source: JAMA Pediatrics
Author Affiliations: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital
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