The mental health of children and young people in England has become a focal point of concern, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest wave of the Mental Health of Children and Young People (MHCYP) survey, conducted from February to April 2023, offers crucial insights into the prevalence of mental disorders among individuals aged 8 to 25 years. This article provides a detailed analysis of the key findings from the NHS Digital report, examining trends over time, age and gender differences, and the broader impact of the pandemic on mental health.

Mental Health in 2023

Prevalence of Mental Disorders

In 2023, the survey found that 20.3% of children aged 8 to 16 years had a probable mental disorder, 12.0% had a possible mental disorder, and 67.7% were unlikely to have a mental disorder. The data revealed significant age-related differences, with probable mental disorders being more common among 11 to 16-year-olds (22.6%) compared to 8 to 10-year-olds (15.7%).

Young people aged 17 to 19 years exhibited even higher rates, with 23.3% having a probable mental disorder, 15.3% a possible mental disorder, and 61.4% being unlikely to have a mental disorder. For those aged 20 to 25 years, the prevalence was 21.7% for probable mental disorders, 15.4% for possible mental disorders, and 63.0% were unlikely to have a mental disorder.

Gender Differences

The survey highlighted notable gender disparities in the prevalence of mental disorders. Among younger children aged 8 to 10 years, boys (17.7%) were slightly more likely than girls (13.6%) to have a probable mental disorder. In the 11 to 16 age group, the rates were almost identical for boys (22.3%) and girls (22.9%).

However, stark differences emerged in older age groups. Among 17 to 19-year-olds, young women (31.6%) were twice as likely as young men (15.4%) to have a probable mental disorder. This trend persisted in the 20 to 25 age group, where 30.4% of young women had a probable mental disorder compared to 13.4% of young men.

Trends Over Time

Rising Prevalence

The prevalence of probable mental disorders among children aged 8 to 16 years has shown a concerning increase over time. In 2017, 12.5% of children in this age group had a probable mental disorder. This figure rose to 17.1% in 2020 and continued to increase to 20.3% by 2023. These trends indicate a growing mental health crisis among younger populations.

For young people aged 17 to 19 years, the prevalence of probable mental disorders increased from 10.1% in 2017 to 17.7% in 2020. The rates saw a sharp rise between 2021 and 2022, reaching 25.7% in 2022, before stabilising at 23.3% in 2023.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of children and young people. The survey data between 2020 and 2023 reflect the psychological stressors associated with the pandemic, including social isolation, disruptions to education, and uncertainty about the future. These factors have likely contributed to the rising rates of mental disorders observed during this period.

Assessment Methodology

Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was employed to assess various aspects of mental health, including emotional problems, behavioural issues, relationship difficulties, hyperactivity, and concentration. Responses from parents, children, and young people were used to estimate the likelihood of a mental disorder, categorising them as ‘unlikely,’ ‘possible,’ or ‘probable.’

It’s important to note that the mental disorder prevalence estimates in the initial MHCYP 2017 survey were based on a more detailed diagnostic assessment. Therefore, comparisons between 2017 and subsequent waves rely on results from the comparable SDQ measure.

Source:
NHS Digital