Mental Health Disorders High Among Young People, Study Reveals

Strategic Insights -

Research has shown that mental health disorders are concerningly high among young people, with one in five beginning in early childhood. A study examining the developmental trajectories of internalising and externalising symptoms in young Australians identified social determinants that predict these psychiatric symptom trajectories. The study found that reducing maternal depression, angry parenting, and partner violence could prevent up to 40% of abnormal symptom trajectories, while higher socioeconomic position and maternal social connectedness may offer modest protection.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study examined the developmental trajectories of internalising and externalising symptoms in 5514 children in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.
  • Three distinct trajectories were identified for both internalising and externalising symptoms, with two groups maintaining 'normal' levels and one exhibiting progressively worsening 'abnormal' levels.
  • Key social determinants included socio-economic status, biological sex, maternal depression, hostile/angry parenting, partner violence, maternal smoking, and social connections.
  • Attributable Fractions suggest that reducing maternal depression, angry parenting, and partner violence could prevent up to 40% of abnormal symptom trajectories.
  • Nearly 10-15% of adolescents followed abnormal symptom trajectories from early childhood.
  • Reducing maternal depression, angry parenting, and partner violence, and enhancing maternal social connectedness could substantially prevent these trajectories.
  • The study concluded that addressing these social determinants through targeted policies aligned with the WHO-CSDH framework is essential for improving youth mental health.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 mental health disorders begin in early childhood.
  • 40% of abnormal symptom trajectories could be prevented by reducing maternal depression, angry parenting, and partner violence.
  • 10-15% of adolescents followed abnormal symptom trajectories from early childhood.
  • 5501 children (2718 B-cohort; 2783 K-cohort) were included in the study.
  • Three distinct trajectories were identified for both internalising and externalising symptoms.

Sources:

  • Do the World Health Organization's social determinants of health predict the mental health trajectories of young Australians? A policy-focused analysis. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 2025:48674251371368.
  • Black Dog Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
  • Sage Publications Ltd, 1 Olivers Yard, 55 City Road, London EC1Y 1SP, England.
  • World Health Organization, (no specific publication date mentioned)