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Anxiety, Depression, and Behavioural Problems Among US Children and Adolescents, 2016-2022
Myriam Casseus1,2, Nancy E Reichman1,2
1Division of Population Health, Quality, and Implementation Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
Infant and Child Development
|June 9, 2025
Summary
Childhood mental health is a growing concern, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Early intervention and accessible services are crucial to address these increasing public health challenges.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Mental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Child and adolescent mental health is a significant global public health issue.
- Prevalence data and temporal trends are essential for understanding the scope of pediatric mental health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of parent-reported anxiety, depression, and behavioral/conduct problems in children aged 3-17 years.
- To examine temporal trends in these conditions from 2016 to 2022.
- To identify sociodemographic factors associated with these mental health conditions.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative data from the National Survey of Children's Health (2016-2022).
- Inclusion of 239,534 children aged 3-17 years.
- Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression models were employed.
Main Results:
- In 2016-2022, prevalence was 8.4% for anxiety, 3.7% for depression, and 7.1% for behavioral problems.
- Significant increases observed: anxiety (6.9% to 10.6%), depression (3.1% to 4.6%), and behavioral problems (7.2% to 7.5%).
- Higher odds linked to older age and poverty; lower odds associated with private insurance. Females showed higher odds for anxiety and depression, lower for behavioral problems.
Conclusions:
- There are increasing trends in childhood anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems.
- Sociodemographic factors like age, poverty, and insurance status influence condition prevalence.
- Urgent need for prevention, early intervention, and improved access to mental health services for children and adolescents.
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