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5 Key Differences Between Youth and Adult Mental Health
Both young people and adults suffer from mental health problems, but their experiences differ at different ages: Young people are more likely to struggle with issues related to identity, peers and schoolwork, while adults may struggle with work-related stress, partners, children and life transitions, and research has shown that many mental health disorders present differently in adolescents and adults.
These differences in life circumstances and developmental stages significantly affect the mental health needs of adolescents and adults, necessitating treatment approaches tailored to each age group. Identifying differences in adolescent and adult mental health can help ensure people receive appropriate mental health care throughout their lives.
Notably, the onset of most mental health disorders occurs during adolescence. Data shows that half of lifetime mental health disorders begin by age 14, and three-quarters by age 24. As people age, treatment approaches must change to meet their needs. However, the transition from child and adolescent treatment to adult mental health services is often challenging, with studies consistently highlighting disruptions in care during this process. According to data collected by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than half (50.6%) of youth ages 6-17 receive mental health treatment, yet the proportion of adults is lower (47.2%). Additionally, youth often experience different needs as they transition to adult mental health services, with three-quarters (75%) receiving a new mental health diagnosis.
To assess the differences between adolescent and adult mental health, Charlie Health looked at data such as the prevalence of mental health disorders in adolescents, young adults and adults, and the impact of these disorders on daily life as people age. Some tips are also provided on how to transition from adolescent to adult mental health care and how to access age-appropriate mental health services.
Adolescents have the highest rates of mental health problems of any age group
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) annually surveys mental health in the United States using data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In the 2021 survey (the most recent survey to date), NIMH found that nearly half (49.5%) of adolescents ages 13 to 18 have “any mental illness” (AMI) of any severity, defined by researchers as “a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder.” Data shows that the prevalence of AMI among adolescents is higher than among young adults (ages 18 to 25) and adults.
Rates of serious mental illness are also highest among adolescents
Just over one-fifth (22.2%) of adolescents with AMI have severe impairment or distress, nearly double the rate of “severe mental illness” (SMI) among young adults (11.4%) and more than three times the rate among adults over age 25. The NIMH defines SMI as a condition that “significantly interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.”
Young people suffer from mental health problems at higher rates than adults
Nationwide, teenagers have the highest rates of AMI, while young adults have much higher rates of mental illness than adults. According to the NIMH, one-third of young adults (33.7%) have had an AMI, more than twice as many as adults aged 50 years or older (15%) and more than adults aged 26-49 years (28.1%). Young adults also have the highest rates of SMI (11.4%), higher than adults (7.15%) and those aged 50 years or older (2.5%).
Mental illness affects adolescents’ academic performance
Just as mental illness affects young people and adults to different degrees, its impact varies across age groups. For adolescents, mental illness has a significant impact on academic performance.
High school students who experience symptoms of severe depression are more than twice as likely to drop out of school than their peers, according to NAMI, and students ages 6 to 17 who experience mental, emotional or behavioral problems are three times more likely to repeat a grade, the organization reports.
One-third of adults with a mental illness also experience a co-occurring substance use disorder.
For adults, a large impact of mental health issues is substance use disorder (SUD): According to SAMHSA data analyzed by NAMI, one-third (33.5%) of adults with a mental health illness also experienced a SUD in 2021. This means that nationwide, 19.4 million adults suffer from a mental health illness and a SUD.
Depression and anxiety cause adults to lose 12 billion workdays per year
Adults also face the impact of mental illness on their work. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one in seven (15%) working-age adults live with a mental illness. Without proper support, these illnesses can affect an individual’s confidence, productivity, and attendance, leading to the loss of approximately 12 billion workdays per year, according to WHO. These lost workdays have economic impacts, costing the global economy $1 trillion annually, according to WHO data.
Elderly people have the highest suicide rate
While the national suicide crisis often focuses on rising rates among adolescents, the suicide rate among seniors is actually among the highest in the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20.3 people die by suicide per 100,000 adults age 75 and older annually. In contrast, the suicide rate for people ages 10 to 24 is 11 per 100,000, according to CDC data.
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are at risk of self-harming, this is a mental health emergency. Call or text 988 to contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
How to Find Age-Appropriate Mental Health Services
Generally, adolescent and young adult mental health services are for people under 18 years old, and adult services are for people over 18 years old. However, factors such as your readiness to manage your own care, the severity and stability of your mental health condition, and the availability of appropriate resources can affect this timeline. Below are steps you can take to find age-appropriate mental health services:
Talk to your provider
If you’re on the border between adolescent and adult services, or you’re not sure which is right for you, consider asking the mental health provider you currently work with or your family doctor. They should be able to advise you on what services you should seek out, and they may be able to provide you with a referral. You can also set up a time to talk with a new therapist before you start working with them to find out about their practice. This is also a good time to ask about the age range they target.
Do your research
Start with online databases and directories of local mental health services to find mental health providers and organizations that specialize in serving your age group. Many websites offer filters to narrow your options based on your age group or specific needs, including therapists, clinics, and support groups for adolescents and adults.
Consider age-appropriate services
Many services outside of traditional once-a-week therapy have specific age targets, and there are many therapy platforms that specialize in serving specific age groups.
This story is Charlie Health Reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
