Almost half of young adults have suffered from some sort of mental disorder in the past year, according to a new survey. Few sought treatment, however.
The survey of more than 5,000 young adults aged 19 to 25 found that mental disorders were common among that age group, regardless of whether they were in college or not. Also, neither group was likely to have gotten treatment. Overall, only a quarter of the young adults surveyed had gotten help for their mental problems.
The researchers based their findings on a large government health survey which was conducted between 2001-2002. Survey participants answered questions used to diagnose a variety of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and substance abuse.
Focusing on the young adults in the survey, the researchers found that about 46% of the college students and 48% of the non-students had suffered from some sort of mental disorder in the past year. Alcohol abuse was slightly more common among college students, but their non-student counterparts were more at risk for drug abuse. The prevalence of mood disorders – like depression and bipolar disorder – was about the same in both groups.
“These findings underscore the importance of treatment and prevention,” said study author Dr. Carlos Blanco of the New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University. Early treatment can cut the risk that the problem will last past young adulthood.
The study was published in the December issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.
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