About Young Adult mental health
At any one time, 10 to 20 per cent of young people have mental health disorders that are severe enough to cause significant functional impairment to warrant treatment.
Rates of behaviour disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression and suicidal behaviour have all increased substantially in young people.
Studies in a number of countries have shown rates of illness similar or higher in adolescents than those in adults. Between 10 and 20 per cent of young people, at any one time, have mental health disorders that are severe enough to cause significant functional impairment to warrant treatment.
Adolescent psychiatric conditions are traditionally divided into two main groups:
- emotional disorders
- behavioural or disruptive disorders
Young Adults with emotional disorders exhibit disordered emotions, typically anxiety and depression, whereas those with behavioural disorders display abnormal conduct.
(Ref: Management of Mental Disorders, World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre)