Media has the power to tell the truth-and hype issues. Based on a new study conducted on the rate of mental disorders among teens, the latter seems to be true.
In a study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal on Monday, November 3, researchers, including Dr. Ian Colman of University of Ottawa and Mental Health Epidemiology, point out that, contrary to what many people think, the prevalence of mental health disorders among teens is not increasing but inconsistent.
To determine if teen health issues like depression, suicidal thoughts, and hyperactivity are truly increasing, they conducted a large longitudinal survey participated by thousands of children and teens of varying ages across Canada. These groups include over 11,000 children from 10 to 11 years old and almost 10,000 young teens from 14 to 15 years. The researchers monitored these children every two years.
All participants answered a questionnaire that asked about their behavior and emotions and the level of frequency they experience them a week prior to the tests.
Upon analysis, the researchers discovered that there's not much change in terms of depression and anxiety symptoms among children who are between 10 and 11 years, as well as 12 and 13 years.
Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, aggression, antisocial personality disorder, and suicidal behavior showed a decline among different age groups. For example, suicide attempts decreased among teens from 12 to 13 and 14 to 15 years old, who initially reported attempted suicide.
The only thing that showed a marked increase in prevalence is hyperactivity, which is becoming common among children from 10 to 11 years old, as well as early teens, between 12 and 13 years.
Although the media has hyped the supposed increase of mental health issues among teens, the researchers believe that it's a result of the concerted efforts of different agencies to make mental illnesses more relevant and remove the stigma normally associated with them.
