The burden of mental disorders, substance use disorders, and self-harm among youths globally: findings from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study

The period from childhood to early adulthood is critically susceptible to the onset of mental disorders (MDs), substance use disorders (SUDs), and self-harm, with significant implications for public health policy. Understanding these trends over time and across different regions is essential for effective intervention and resource allocation. This study utilizes data from GBD 2021, focusing on youths aged 10-24 years globally. Data span from 1990 to 2021, providing a longitudinal perspective on trends and are stratified by age groups, gender, geographic regions, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). The results showed that in 2021, the global standardized prevalence of MDs among youths reached 14,778 per 100,000, marking a 6.8%(4.7-9.0) increase from 1990. Anxiety disorders and depressive disorders exhibited the highest prevalence. The prevalence of SUDs decreased by 20.3%(17.4-22.9) since 1990, while self-harm rates decreased by 35%(33.6-38.3). The highest burden was observed in the 20-24 age group, with notable gender disparities: females had higher rates of anxiety and depressive disorders, whereas males were more affected by SUDs and conduct disorders. Geographical and socio-economic variations were pronounced, with high SDI regions exhibiting the most significant prevalence of most MDs and SUDs. The study highlights a significant rise in the burden of MDs among global youth over three decades, exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. It underscores the need for targeted mental health interventions and resource allocation to address the escalating mental health needs of young populations.