Spectrum of mental health among students: A scientometric analysis of 20 years of research on depression and anxiety

Mental health and well-being are vital for students' success. Over the past decade, concerns about student mental health have increased globally. However, research in this field remains fragmented. This study analyzes research conducted from 2004 to 2024. The Web of Science database was used to analyze 84,024 articles to map global research trends in student mental health, with a focus on depression and anxiety. Using VOSviewer, we identified key journals such as Depression and Anxiety (210 publications, 10,747 citations), BMC Psychiatry, and the Journal of Affective Disorders as dominant publication sources. Keyword analysis highlights depression, anxiety, and prevalence as central themes. Leading researchers include Penninx B.W.J.H. with 47 publications and Kessler R.C. with 5518 citations. The most-cited study is by Kessler et al. (2012), with 1927 citations. Geographically, the United States leads in research output with 960 documents and 46,546 citations, followed by the Netherlands (321 documents) and the United Kingdom (396 documents). China ranks seventh with 213 documents, while India does not appear among the top 10 contributors. The analysis reveals limitations, such as database bias due to reliance on Web of Science and citation imbalances. We propose expanding data sources, standardizing terminology, and integrating qualitative methods. These findings emphasize the need for equitable global collaboration and policy-driven interventions to address student mental health challenges effectively.