Teen mental health statistics 2025

In this article:

• What mental health conditions are most common in teens?
• Prevalence
• Teen mental well-being and overall health
• Factors influencing teen mental health
• Supporting teen mental health
• FAQs

In this article

• What mental health conditions are most common in teens?
• Prevalence
• Teen mental well-being and overall health
• Factors influencing teen mental health
• Supporting teen mental health
• FAQs

Young people have a lot going on: schoolwork, social pressures, family responsibilities, dating woes—the list goes on. It can be incredibly stressful, and whether conditions like depression and anxiety arise from these stresses or complicate them, there’s no question that mental health is a struggle for many teenagers. With an increased societal awareness of mental health issues in recent years, it’s important to understand just how prevalent these issues are and what we can do about them. 

What mental health conditions are most common in teens?

Adolescents are susceptible to a wide range of mental health disorders, just like adults. However, according to CDC data, the most commonly diagnosed adolescent mental health conditions are anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders (in that order).

Anxiety

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, generalized anxiety disorder might manifest as excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, headaches, stomach pain, sweating, and/or fatigue. Many teens and adults live with anxiety every day without seeking help, although common treatments include psychotherapy, medications like SSRIs or SNRIs, meditation, and support groups.

Depression

Anxiety is sometimes linked to depression, and while they can exacerbate each other, they’re two separate conditions. Depressive disorders can cause low moods, diminished pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or weight, sluggishness, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and/or brain fog.

Behavioral Disorders

Behavioral disorders are slightly more complicated to classify because they encompass several different conditions, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Treatments can include cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, social training, educational support, and medication.

Other Conditions

According to Dr. Haiyan Wang, MD, medical director and psychiatrist at Neuro Wellness Spa, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent isolation were particularly detrimental to adolescent mental well-being. “In my daily practice, I saw a significant increase in OCD, including fears of contamination, fears of getting sick, worries that something bad would happen, social anxiety, and many other forms of anxiety.”

Aja Chavez, executive director of adolescent services at Mission Prep Healthcare, says she’s also seen a rise in trauma exposure. “Trauma can stem from many causes, including family conflict, online harassment, or sudden loss, but it often presents with more common symptoms like sleep problems or irritability, making it a bit less obvious than some may realize.” Additionally, she says, “I’m also seeing more attention difficulties, sometimes classic ADHD and sometimes screen-driven overload, alongside eating-disorder concerns that are fueled by unrealistic beauty standards and social media expectations.”

Prevalence of teen mental health conditions

• About 1 in 5 adolescents (ages 12-17) report symptoms of anxiety or depression. (KFF, 2024)
• Fifty percent of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24 (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2023)
• An estimated 49.5% of adolescents have had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2024)

Teen mental health statistics worldwide

• Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder. That’s 15% of the total burden of disease experienced in this age group. (WHO, 2024)
• Mental disorders affect approximately 166 million adolescents (89 million boys and 77 million girls) globally. (UNICEF, 2021)
• Of mental disorders affecting children ages 10–19 worldwide, 42.9% were anxiety or depressive disorders, 20.1% were conduct disorders, 19.5% were ADHD, 14.9% were Idiopathic developmental intellectual disabilities, and 9.5% were other mental disorders. (UNICEF, 2021)

Teen mental health statistics in the U.S.

• In 2023, more than 5.3 million U.S. adolescents ages 12-17 years had a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition. (Health Resources and Services Administration, 2024)

• Among U.S. adolescents ages 12-17, 20% reported symptoms of anxiety in the past two weeks, and 18% reported symptoms of depression in the past two weeks. (CDC, 2024)

Teen mental health statistics by age

• In one European study, the peak ages for common mental health challenges were:
  • Anxiety: 30 years old
  • Depression: 26 years old
  • Substance use: 25 years old
  • ADHD: 7–14 years old
  • Conduct disorders: 7–14 years old
    (Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 2024)

Teen mental health statistics by condition

• Of all children ages 3-17 in the U.S.:
  • 11% have anxiety (9% of males and 12% of females).
  • 8% have behavior disorders (10% of males and 5% of females)
  • 4% have depression (3% of males and 6% of females)
    (CDC, 2025)
• Between 2016 and 2023, the prevalence of the following conditions increased among U.S. adolescents:
  • Behavioral health conditions increased 35% (from 15.0% to 20.3%)
  • Diagnosed anxiety increased 61% (from 10.0% to 16.1%)
  • Depression increased 45% (from 5.8% to 8.4%)
    (Health Resources and Services Administration, 2024)
• It is estimated that at least 1 in 100 kids and teens has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). (International OCD Foundation)
• Schizophrenia occurs in 0.1% of 15–19-year-olds globally. (WHO, 2025)

Statistics on suicide and self-harm

• In the U.S., suicide is the second leading cause of death for the age groups of 10–14, 15–24, and 25–34 years old. (CDC, 2023)
• In a 2023 survey of U.S. high school students, 20.4% had seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9.5% had attempted suicide. (CDC, 2024)
• In 2024 in the U.S., 2.6 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 said they had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year, 1.2 million made a suicide plan, and 700,000 attempted suicide (SAMHSA, 2024)

Teen mental well-being and overall health

Research has made it clear that mental and physical health are closely connected, so teens who have mental disorders are often at a higher risk of physical complications. And Chavez says it’s often caused or exacerbated by sleep changes, stress, and poor nutrition.

“Anxiety and low mood often push bedtimes later and disturb quality rest. On top of that, many teens are late-night scrolling, which deepens the circadian delay and results in feeling exhausted and foggy,” she says. “With chronic stress, I also see more frequent minor illnesses and slower recovery.” Plus, “changes in movement and nutrition, whether it’s inactivity or carb grazing with depression, can carry cardiac risks.”

These factors are especially important for teens, according to Dr. Wang. “During adolescence, the body and brain are going through major developmental stages. At this time, a lack of self-care, nutrition, or medical attention can greatly interfere with growth and overall physical well-being,” she says. “We also know there are real biological effects—such as increased cortisol and hormonal changes in those with anxiety and depression. In the brain, neuroplasticity and receptor activity are also disrupted when depression and anxiety are high.”

Here are statistics on how mental health conditions might manifest physically:

• People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population. (National Alliance on Mental Health, 2023)
• In a European study, people with depression had a 10–39% increased risk of cancer, depending on the type of cancer. (Brain Sciences, 2023)
• 33.5% of U.S. adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in 2021. (National Alliance on Mental Health, 2023)
• High school students with significant symptoms of depression are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers. (National Alliance on Mental Health, 2023)
• From 2016 to 2022, there was a 124% increase in mental health-related hospitalizations among young adults under 21 years of age. (Clarify Health, 2023)
• There was also a 45% increase in mental health emergency room visits, which includes a 74% increase in visits for suicidal ideation, attempts, and other self-harm. (Clarify Health, 2023)

Factors influencing teen mental health

Mental health is complex, and it has an array of influences, including biological, environmental, social, and genetic factors. Struggles with mental health are rarely the result of a single factor, so it’s important to consider all the possible contributing influences in an adolescent’s life. For example, biological factors might include nutrient deficiencies, thyroid issues, chronic illness, or obesity, while psychological factors might encompass temperament, negative self-talk, stress management abilities, or grief.

For teens, the environmental factors are particularly wide-ranging. They can include sleep deprivation, academic pressure, family conflict or divorce, bullying/cyberbullying, discrimination (race, gender, sexuality), financial strain, and community violence, according to Chavez. Dr. Wang adds, “Social media has had one of the biggest impacts—it moves so fast there is no time to slow down or reflect. Once something is posted, it cannot be taken back. Teens are constantly exposed to snapshots of others ‘best moments,’ which can make them feel like they are the only ones who are lonely, boring, or left out.”

It’s important not to forget that genetics can also play a role—some people are simply predisposed to certain mental disorders based on their family history and genetic makeup. “Conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders are highly heritable,” Dr. Wang says. “A family history of these conditions does not guarantee a teen will develop them, but it does increase their risk.”

Supporting teen mental health

Parents, guardians, or other immediate family members are the most intimate and important support system for teens who struggle with mental health. How they respond can be particularly effective in helping support their children. “One of my biggest pieces of advice is to lead with relationships, not quick fixes,” Chavez says. “Get curious before you advise, reflect what you hear, and ask simple check-ins like ‘What felt hardest today?’ or ‘Where are you on a 0–10 scale right now?’”

Additionally, she suggests encouraging 8–10 hours of sleep every night, winding down screens an hour or more before bed, and building “a weekly rhythm that includes movement, one social touchpoint, one genuine joy/hobby, and manageable school blocks.”

Yet mental health care also often involves professional treatment. Finding a therapist experienced in working with adolescents is an important step, and many schools also have school-based counselors or social workers that students can visit during the day. For serious issues, local healthcare providers have inpatient mental health services or substance abuse rehab where teens can check in for short-term stays.

Mental health screenings are also helpful in identifying and effectively treating particular mental health disorders, and they’re typically covered by insurance plans. And for mental health emergencies, the SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) is free and confidential, or you can text/call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which will connect you to free counselors.

Teen mental health questions and answers

Which mental health conditions are most common in teens?

Research and data from the CDC has shown that the most common mental health conditions among teens are anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and behavioral disorders.

How many high school students struggle with their mental health? 

A 2024 study from the CDC found that 39.7% of students experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, while 28.5% experienced poor mental health.

What is social anxiety disorder?

The Anxiety & Depression Association of America defines social anxiety disorder as “intense anxiety or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation.”

What percentage of teenagers grapple with depression or anxiety?

According to CDC surveys of adolescents ages 12–17, 20% reported symptoms of anxiety in the past two weeks, and 18% reported symptoms of depression in the past two weeks.

How can schools and educational institutions contribute to promoting mental well-being among teenagers?

Educational institutions can promote mental well-being by educating adolescents about mental health struggles, providing accessible support services, working to reduce stigmas about mental health issues, helping teens get connected within communities, and training teachers/administrators on how to recognize and support mental health disorders.