Depression and anxiety was higher for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2023-12-01 03:00

International

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

More than a third of young adults had anxiety or depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey of over 3 million US adults which found rates were much higher than in older people. The surveys taken between April 2020 and August 2022 found anxiety and depression rates were higher among 18-39 year olds (40% and 33% respectively) compared to those over 40 (31% and 24% respectively). The findings likely reflect the disproportionately worse economic conditions for young people, as well as negative responses to social disruption, according to the researchers.

News release

From: JAMA

Age Disparities in Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Among Adults During the Pandemic

JAMA Network Open
Original Investigation

About The Study: In this study of 3 million U.S. adults, anxiety and depression were significantly higher among adults ages 18 to 39 compared with adults age 40 and older during the COVID-19 pandemic. Less favorable economic conditions and responses to social upheaval may have contributed to young adults’ worse mental well-being. These findings suggest a need for greater mental health care and economic policies targeted toward younger adults.

Attachments

Note: Not all attachments are visible to the general public. Research URLs will go live after the embargo ends.

Research JAMA, Web page The URL will go live after the embargo lifts.

Journal/
conference: JAMA Network Open

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Northwestern University, USA

Funder: No funding information provided.

Media Contact/s

Contact details are only visible to registered journalists.