Alarming Rise in Mental Health Conditions Among Young Adults in England

Recent findings from the fifth Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS), conducted by NHS England in collaboration with City St George's, University of London, and the University of Leicester, reveal a significant increase in mental health issues among the population in England, especially among young adults. The survey, which analyzed data from a broad sample of adults, shows that approximately 22.6% of individuals aged 16 to 64 experienced a common mental health condition in 2023/24, marking an increase from 17.6% in 2007. Notably, women continue to report higher prevalence rates than men.

One of the most concerning trends is the tripling of lifetime reports of non-suicidal self-harm, rising from 3.8% in 2007 to 10.3% in 2023/24. Young adults, particularly those aged 16 to 24, are significantly affected, with 25.8% reporting a mental health condition — the highest among all age groups. These young individuals are also more likely to report self-harm and screen positive for conditions such as PTSD and ADHD.

The survey highlights persistent socioeconomic disparities, as individuals living in the most deprived areas or experiencing debt are more prone to mental health issues, self-harm, and PTSD. Unemployed adults also show higher rates of these conditions, emphasizing the link between economic hardship and mental health.

Encouragingly, access to mental health treatment has improved; nearly half of those experiencing symptoms received treatment in 2023/24, up from about a quarter in 2007. The use of psychological therapies and medication has notably increased, with 17.9% receiving therapy and 38.4% using medication.

Experts underline the importance of addressing these issues, noting increasing mental health burdens despite better treatment options. Professor Sally McManus points out that 1 in 5 adults now have depression or anxiety disorders, a significant rise from previous years. The survey also underscores ongoing inequalities, especially among ethnic minorities, who are less likely to receive appropriate treatment despite high prevalence of trauma-related symptoms.

Leading researcher Sarah Morris emphasizes the value of these insights in shaping future mental health strategies and highlights the critical need for preventative measures and targeted support to manage this growing concern.