Prime Highlights:
Study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that France’s youth, aged 25 and under, have significantly increased their use of mental health services between 2016 and 2023, with a notable surge following the pandemic.
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and suicidal ideation are among the mental health conditions on the rise. One in seven adolescents worldwide now struggles with mental health, and France mirrors this trend.
Key Background:
A recent study has highlighted a concerning rise in mental health issues among young people in France, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, published in the JAMA Network Open journal, reveals that mental health visits, hospitalizations, and medication prescriptions among individuals aged 25 and under have significantly increased between 2016 and 2023. This surge is particularly noticeable in the aftermath of the pandemic, with a marked rise in conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and suicidal ideation.
The study, which examined a cohort of around 20 million young people, underscores the growing mental health crisis, with one in seven adolescents worldwide now facing mental health struggles. French youth are no exception, as mental health services have become more frequently sought after, including prescriptions for antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. While both genders have been affected, teenage girls and young women appear to be particularly vulnerable. These groups have seen a notable increase in psychiatric consultations, hospitalizations due to suicide attempts, and prescriptions for mental health medications, especially in the post-pandemic period.
Researchers suggest that social media may contribute to the gender disparity, with girls being more exposed to cyberbullying and interpersonal stress, both of which are linked to mental health challenges. The French government has responded with initiatives such as experimenting with a smartphone ban in middle schools and supporting EU-wide restrictions on social media use before the age of 15.
Additionally, the country faces significant challenges in providing adequate mental health care, as the number of child psychiatrists has decreased by 34% between 2010 and 2022. Advocacy groups have stressed that access to mental health support remains a key issue, exacerbating the mental health crisis. Overall, the findings align with broader trends seen across Europe, where youth mental health concerns have escalated post-pandemic, fueled by a combination of social media pressures, economic instability, and a lack of accessible care.
