Youth mental health issues cost Australia around $234 million every year

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2021-04-10 04:00

Australia; VIC; WA

What does this mean?

Jump to: MultimediaAttachmentsExpert Reaction

Aussie researchers say mental health issues in Australian kids and adolescents cost around $234 million every year, of which roughly 16 per cent is attributable to out-of-pocket costs. To calculate the costs, the scientists used data from the Young Minds Matter Survey, which includes a total of 6,310 young Aussies. They found costs associated with health care attendances and medications were higher for young Aussies with mental disorders and subthreshold mental disorders compared to those without a mental disorder. The researchers say further research is needed to ensure that young Aussies are receiving effective and efficient care.