Which population groups are at risk and why?
This section will focus on core epidemiological issues that take account of fixed risk factors (such as age, gender, ethnicity, family history) and modifiable risk factors (such as behaviour). The wider determinants of health (such as housing, transport and environment) are also considered.
Age
In 2023, 23.3% of those aged 17 to 19 had a probable mental disorder (21.7% of those aged 20 to 25 and 20.3% of those aged 8 to 16)1. Therefore, those aged 17 to 19 are most at risk.
Gender
Young women aged 17-24 have the highest rates of common mental disorders including anxiety, depression and eating disorders2. Co-occurring mental health conditions are more prevalent among females than males in the same age groups3. Young women are more likely to experience poor mental health outcomes. Gender is a significant factor in youth mental health risk in the UK4.
Suicide rates among young males are increasing particularly in deprived areas4.
Socioeconomic status
Young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are at significantly higher risk of developing poor mental health. Young people in the most deprived areas are more likely to experience mental health problems4.
Qualifications
Young people with lower qualification levels are at greater risk of developing poor mental health, young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) show significantly higher rates of mental health disorders. Those with lower academic attainment are more likely to experience anxiety, depression and self-harm2.
Mental health
Anxiety disorders most common among young people aged 16-24, particularly in young women and those from deprived areas1.
Depression rates are rising among young people aged 17-25 and strongly associated with socioeconomic disadvantage, low educational attainment and unemployment1.
Eating disorders among 17–19-year-old girls is increasing in prevalence1.
ADHD and behavioural disorders are more common in younger children aged 8-16, especially boys1.
Ethnicity
Young people from Mixed ethnic backgrounds report some of the highest rates of mental health issues5. White British young people show high prevalence particularly in rural and deprived areas1. Black and Asian ethnic groups report lower prevalence which may reflect under diagnosis, cultural stigma or barriers to accessing care, they are more likely to access services through crisis pathways5. Black Caribbean and South Asian groups face elevated risks of suicide when compounded with vulnerabilities such as poverty or discrimination5.
Prisoners
Young people aged 12-18 in custody report high levels of anxiety, depression and trauma and may arrive in custody with pre-existing conditions that are undiagnosed and untreated6. Young prisoners are more likely to have neurodevelopmental disorders, substance misuse issues and co-occurring mental health conditions7.
Sexual Orientation
LGBT+ individuals face disproportionately poor mental health outcomes across nearly all measures8. Self-harm rates are 2.5 times higher among young people identifying as LGB+ compared to heterosexual peers4. Young LGB+ people are more likely to be referred to mental health services9.
Vulnerable Children
Vulnerable children are at significantly higher risk of developing poor mental health due to: Adverse Childhood Experiences10; complex trauma histories within children in care or the youth justice system10; Young Carers responsibilities and living in low-income households11; Early Years vulnerability in babies and children under 5 being higher vulnerable to early development and emotional difficulties11; and barriers to accessing care10.