2017 to 2021 Saw Increase in Clinically Diagnosed Depression in Youth
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, Oct. 3, 2024 -- Clinically diagnosed depression increased from 2017 to 2021 in children, adolescents, and young adults, with a higher increase during the pandemic, according to a study published online Oct. 1 in JAMA Network Open.
Anny H. Xiang, Ph.D., from Kaiser Permanente Southern California in Pasadena, and colleagues examined the incidence, prevalence, and changes in depression and anxiety diagnosed clinically among children, adolescents, and young adults from 2017 to 2021 in a cohort study involving about 1.7 million individuals aged 5 to 22 years in Southern California.
The researchers found that from 2017 to 2021, there was an increase in the incidence and prevalence of depression diagnosis (from 1.35 to 2.10 percent and from 2.55 to 4.08 percent, respectively); the incidence and prevalence of anxiety without depression diagnosis also increased (from 1.77 to 2.32 percent and from 3.13 to 4.22 percent, respectively). Except for depression incidence, the increases in rates were higher during the COVID-19 pandemic than before the pandemic (2020 to 2021 versus 2017 to 2019). Across all subgroups, rates increased and they were highest for those aged 14 to 17 and 18 to 22 years; females; non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic White, or multiple races or ethnicities; and subgroups with higher household income, obesity, or comorbidities. For depression diagnosis, age was the most important factor, while weight status was the most important factor for anxiety without depression diagnosis.
"Rates were higher for adolescents and young adults and in some subgroups, highlighting a need for increased mental health services for our young population," the authors write.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted October 2024
Further Support and Information on COVID-19
Read this next
Higher Social Media Use Tied to Subsequent Depressive Symptoms in Youth
FRIDAY, May 23, 2025 -- Higher social media use is associated with greater subsequent depressive symptoms in children and adolescents, according to a study published online May 21...
Combinations of Chronic, Physical Illnesses Up the Risk of Subsequent Depression
WEDNESDAY, May 21, 2025 -- Certain groups of physical multimorbidity may be associated with a higher risk of subsequent depression, according to a study published online May 13...
Adding Team Therapist Reduces Burnout for Critical Care Nurses
TUESDAY, May 20, 2025 -- For nurses in critical care areas, adding a team therapist can reduce burnout and improve resilience, according to a study presented at the American...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.