Anxiety Disorders Were Major Mental Disorders Among Adolescents and Young Adults in China From 1990 to 2021: Results From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

ABSTRACT There is a lack of comprehensive data regarding the prevalence and risk factors for mental and substance use disorders (SUDs) among adolescents and young adults in China. To address this gap, this study draws on data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 to estimate the prevalence and disability‐adjusted life year (DALY) burden of mental disorders and SUDs in Chinese individuals aged 10–24 years. Prevalence and DALY estimates are provided for both males and females within three age brackets: 10–14, 15–19, and 20–24 years. In 2021, mental disorders were the main cause of disability among 10–24‐year‐olds in China, whereas SUDs ranked 12th. The average prevalence of mental disorders in this age group was 13.00%, compared to 1.45% for SUDs. Anxiety and depressive disorders were already major mental health issues in China, accounting for one third (39.91%) of total DALYs and 15.95% of total DALYs, respectively. Take measures in the areas of mental health intervention, prevention plans, policy reform, and comprehensive intervention, such as strengthening media publicity to raise public awareness of mental health issues.