Rising incidence of mental disorders in Norwegian youth (2010–2022): National registry data

Abstract Background Recent decades have seen growing concern about increasing mental health problems among youth in many countries. Using linked national health and demographic registry data, we examined trends in diagnosed mental disorders in the entire Norwegian population aged 0-30 years from 2010 to 2022. Our aim was to quantify these trends and explore variations across diagnostic categories, age, sex, and socioeconomic variables. Methods We used individual-level data from two population-wide Norwegian registers: the Norwegian Patient Registry (specialist healthcare services) and Statistics Norway (demographics). The study population included all individuals aged 0-30 between 2008 and 2022 (approx. 2 million). Annual incidence rates were calculated from 2010 to 2022 based on ICD-10 F-codes recorded in specialist care. Analyses were stratified by sex, age, and parental education and income. Results While results are preliminary, they indicate a marked increase in the annual incidence of several mental disorders. Diagnoses of anxiety disorders, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders rose steeply, although the timing of the increases varied by diagnosis. The increases were most pronounced among adolescent girls and young adult women, with many trends already evident before the COVID-19 pandemic. A clear socioeconomic gradient was observed for several disorders, though the pattern differed across diagnostic categories. Conclusions The incidence of diagnosed mental disorders among Norwegian youth has increased substantially over the past decade, particularly among young females. These findings raise urgent questions about the causes and consequences of the trend. Our results underscore the need for continued surveillance and research, as well as preventive efforts to mitigate potential long-term impacts. Further investigation is needed into possible drivers, including changes in healthcare access, diagnostic practices, and social or psychological determinants. Key messages • Anxiety disorders, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders have risen sharply in Norwegian youth, especially among girls. • These trends demand continued surveillance, research, and targeted preventive action.