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Between 2005 and 2017, the rate of teens reporting symptoms corresponding to major depression over the past 12 months has increased by 52%, says a new study. (Photo: Getty Images / iStockphoto)
In the United States, more and more young adults are having mental health problems and the use of digital media may be partly responsible, said a new study.
Between 2005 and 2017, the rate of teens reporting symptoms corresponding to major depression over the past 12 months jumped 52%, according to the study. published Thursday in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, led by the American Psychological Association.
The study found a 63% increase in the number of adolescents aged 18 to 25 reporting symptoms of depression between 2009 and 2017. It also showed a significant increase in the rate of young adults reporting a severe psychological distress and suicidal thoughts or results related to suicide. during similar periods.
The researchers also noted that there was no similar increase in older adults during the corresponding periods.
Jean Twenge, senior author of the study and professor of psychology at San Diego State University, said that digital media could play a role in increasing the number of young adults.
"The cultural trends of the past 10 years may have had a greater effect on mood disorders and suicide-related outcomes in younger generations compared to older generations," Twenge said in a statement. communicated.
Ian Gotlib, professor of psychology at Stanford University and director of the Stanford Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Psychopathology Laboratory (SNAP), said genetics could be ruled out as a potential factor because the increase in the number of cases mental health problems was happening too quickly.
"It's correlational, but what increases with depression is the use of social media with children," said Gotlib, who was not affiliated with the study. "And I do not think it should be underestimated."
More: Depression is increasing among teens and young adults: should blame phones and social media?
More: Pew survey: Teens say depression is a bigger problem than bullying, drugs or alcohol
A Pew Research survey released last month found that 70% of teens thought that anxiety and depression were critical issues for their peers, even more than bullying or drug or alcohol use.
Several other studies have found an increase in depression among adolescents and young adults, leaving many legal experts wondering what role social media could play.
"These findings suggest the need for more research to understand how digital communication versus face-to-face social interactions influence mood disorders and suicide outcomes, and to develop specialized interventions for HIV / AIDS groups. Age, "said Twenge.
Gotlib said that having conversations with your kids was a good place to start and pay attention to their digital media habits. "I would just watch for what seems to be an inability to be with your phone," he said. "It does not necessarily mean depression, but it has that potential."
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @ brettmolina23.
Read or share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2019/03/15/depression-suicide-mental-health-young-adults-study/3172743002/
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