The burden of mental disorders, substance use disorders and self-harm among young people in Europe

Summary

Mental health is a public health issue for European young people. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 provides internationally comparable information on trends in the health status of populations and changes in the leading causes of disease burden over time.

Prevalence, incidence, Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) and Years of Life Lost (YLLs) from mental disorders (MDs), substance use disorders (SUDs) and self-harm were estimated for young people aged 10-24 years in 31 European countries. 

Findings

In 2019, rates per 100,000 population were 16,983 for mental disorders, 3,891 for substance use disorders, and 89·1 for self-harm.

In terms of disability, anxiety contributed to 647·3 years lived with disability, while in terms of premature death, self-harm contributed to 319·6 years of life lost, per 100,000 population.

Over the 30 years studied, years lived with disability increased in eating disorders and drug use disorders and decreased in idiopathic developmental intellectual disability.

Years of life lost decreased in self-harm.

The burden of substance use disorders and self-harm was higher in countries with lower sociodemographic indexes.

Interpretation

Mental health conditions represent an important burden among young people living in Europe. National policies should strengthen mental health, with a specific focus on young people.