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Suicidal Behavior Among Young Adults in Sweden Linked to Mental Health Service Utilization

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Young adults in Sweden who rely on social services for daily living are more likely to struggle with mental health issues, according to a new study published in BMC Psychiatry. The research, conducted by a team of scholars from Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, reveals that unfavorable social circumstances, such as truncated education and unemployment, are common among this group. Many have a history of psychiatric inpatient care and treatment for suicidal behavior, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated mental health services.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 40% of young adults granted support in daily living had a history of psychiatric inpatient care, and 15.7% had received treatment for suicidal behavior.
  • Mental health service utilization was more common among females, particularly regarding treatment for suicidal behavior (adjusted OR 2.52; 95% CI 2.16-2.93).
  • Higher educational level and being Swedish-born were associated with a greater likelihood of utilizing outpatient care and psychopharmacological treatment.
  • Foreign-born individuals were less likely than Swedish-born individuals to be admitted to inpatient care (adjusted OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.59-0.74).
  • The study highlights the need for coordinated efforts to ensure young adults with support in daily living can access the mental health services they need.

Statistics:

  • 15,024 young adults ages 18-29 were included in the study.
  • 49.2% of the study participants were female.
  • 40% had a history of psychiatric inpatient care.
  • 15.7% had received treatment for suicidal behavior.
  • 71.6% received psychiatric outpatient care.
  • 73.9% received psychopharmacological treatment.

Sources:

  • Sociodemographic predictors of mental health service utilization among young adults with support in daily living in Sweden: a register-based study. BMC Psychiatry, 2025;25(1):580.
  • NewsRx. Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services Reports Findings in Suicidal Behavior (Sociodemographic predictors of mental health service utilization among young adults with support in daily living in Sweden: a register-based study). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. June 21, 2025; p 271.

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