A decline in mental health among young people in 2020
Between May and November 2020, the prevalence of depressive disorders among people aged 15 and older fell from 13.5% to 11.0%, returning to a level equivalent to that recorded in 2019, according to the EpiCov and EHIS surveys. This overall decrease is driven by a two-point drop in minor depressive symptoms, affecting 6.1% of the population; however, major depressive symptoms (4.9%) did not decline over the period and remained at levels higher than those of 2019, particularly among young people. During 2020, one in five people experienced a depressive syndrome in May or November, and nearly one in twenty had a persistent depressive syndrome during both periods. Young people, women, people with disabilities, those facing difficult economic circumstances and/or those whose situation has worsened due to the health crisis, and those who have experienced symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 are the most affected. In November 2020, 2.8% of the population reported having thought about suicide in the past twelve months; this figure rises to 5.0% among 15- to 24-year-olds, and the proportion of people affected decreases with age. 4.0% reported having attempted suicide at some point in their lives, and for 0.2%, this attempt occurred within the past twelve months. Finally, EpiCov data show a decline in the rates of regular alcohol and cannabis use compared to previous data, but they indicate an increase of more than 20% in the number of psychotropic drug users during 2020.
Author(s): Hazo Jean-Baptiste, Costemalle Vianney, Rouquette Alexandra, Bajos Nathalie, Bagein Guillaume, Calandra Carmen, Counil Émilie, Deroyon Thomas, Franck Jeanna-Eve, Gosselin Anne, Jusot Florence, de Lamballerie Xavier, Leduc Aude, Lydié Nathalie, Martin Claude, Meyer Laurence, Novelli Sophie, Pailhé Ariane, Rahib Delphine, Raynaud Philippe, Sillard Patrick, Slama Rémy, Spire Alexis
Publishing year: 2021
Pages: 1-8
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