The national prevalence of mental disorders in children and adolescents is 17.5%! How to help depressed people around you? Expert interpretation

Today (10th) is World Mental Health Day, and the results of the "Epidemiological Survey of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents in China" were announced. Survey data show that the prevalence of mental disorders among children and adolescents is 17.5%. The mental health of children and adolescents in China is facing severe challenges.

The overall prevalence of mental disorders among children and adolescents in China is 17.5%

"Epidemiological Survey of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents in China" is the first national epidemiological survey of mental disorders in children and adolescents in China. Since its launch in December 2012, after nearly nine years of scientific research, epidemiological investigation and data analysis of more than 73,000 children aged 6 to 16 have shown that the overall prevalence of mental disorders among children and adolescents in China is 17.5%. Among them, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder accounted for 6.4%, anxiety disorder accounted for 4.7%, oppositional defiant disorder accounted for 3.6%, and major depressive disorder accounted for 2.0%, which are the highest prevalence of mental disorders among children and adolescents.

Zheng Yi, chief expert in child psychiatry at Beijing Anding Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, said that due to the accelerated pace of life and increasingly fierce social competition, changes in family structure, the problem of only child, and Internet addiction affect families and society. The high expectations of parents, the pressure of learning, the competition for further education and the complex and changeable social environment have brought different degrees of tension, stimulation and psychological pressure to children and adolescents, and people have neglected early mental health education for children and adolescents

Zheng Yi, chief expert in child psychiatry, professor of Beijing Anding Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University: If the awareness rate of our core knowledge reaches 80%, then most children can be diagnosed and treated early, and one of the biggest achievements of our epidemiological survey should be to arouse the public's awareness and attach great importance to mental disorders in children and adolescents.

Cognitive deficit Stigma leads to delays in treatment

Experts pointed out that the psychological problems of primary and secondary school students are mainly concentrated in emotional stability and learning adaptation, while college students are mainly manifested as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and depression. Due to the lack of family knowledge of mental health and the stigma of patients and their families, many patients have delayed the best treatment period, and it is urgent to treat early and strengthen mental health education for children and adolescents.

Experts remind that maintaining a regular schedule, not staying up late, active exercise, and more sun exposure are currently known effective means to prevent depression.