Rising Trends in Youth Anxiety and Depression from 2016 to 2022, Study Shows

Recent research analyzing data from the National Survey of Children's Health reveals a concerning increase in mental health issues among children and adolescents over the period from 2016 to 2022. The study, conducted by researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, highlights a steady rise in cases of anxiety and depression in young people, while physical health problems such as asthma, migraines, and heart conditions showed a decline or remained stable.

According to the findings published in JAMA Pediatrics, the percentage of children under 18 experiencing anxiety increased from 7.1% in 2016 to 10.6% in 2022. Similarly, depression rates grew from 3.2% to 4.6% in the same timeframe. In contrast, physical health issues like asthma decreased from 8.4% to 6.5%, and severe headaches or migraines declined from 3.5% to 2.6%. Heart conditions among children did not show any notable change.

Lead researcher Marie Heffernan emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize youth mental health, especially as these issues have worsened even after the pandemic's peak. She calls for increased support for parents and schools to help children cope with anxiety and depression.

Michelle Macy, MD, senior author of the study, notes that these trends highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the multiple causes behind rising anxiety and depression in youth. The study underscores that these mental health challenges are not only prevalent but escalating, necessitating targeted intervention and resource allocation.

This research provides a crucial insight into the shifting landscape of pediatric health, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive mental health strategies in communities nationwide.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-youth-anxiety-depression-rose-steadily.html