Caught in the Crossfire: Ecuador’s Safety Crisis Impact on Teen and Young Adult Mental Health

Introduction: During the past decade, Ecuador has become one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America, with a significant rise in violence impacting mental health. This study investigates hospital admissions for mood disorders among adolescents and young adults in Ecuador from 2021 to 2022. Methods: We used public access data from the National Institute of Census and Statistics (INEC) to analyze hospital admissions for mood disorders in individuals aged 12 to 21, categorized using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes F30 to F39. Results: Results show a female predominance in admissions, with a female-to-male ratio of 3:1 by 2022. Admissions for depressive episodes accounted for 66.5% of cases, peaking in 2022. The regions with the highest admission rates were the Galapagos Islands and Pichincha. A notable reduction in admissions was observed in 2020, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic´s impact on healthcare access. Discussion: The study's findings highlight significant gender disparities, diagnostic trends and regional differences in mood disorder admissions. The increasing trend, particularly for depressive episodes, underscores the need for enhanced mental health resources. Conclusion: The study concludes that the escalation of violence in Ecuador significantly impacts mental health, emphasizing the urgency of addressing social determinants of health and focussing efforts on regions most affected by conflict.