Younger girls increasingly presenting to Australian hospitals in mental distress

Younger girls are increasingly attending emergency departments in mental distress or having self-harmed, Australian doctors say, while young women have the highest increase in antidepressant use.

Two new studies published in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry reveal alarming levels of mental illness among young people, particularly teenage girls who are least likely to be admitted to hospital when seeking treatment.

The first study, led by the New South Wales Ministry of Health, examined emergency presentations for suicidal ideation and self-harm by 10-to-24-year-olds between 2015 and 2021.

Meanwhile, a study led by the Centre for Big Data Research in Health at the University of NSW examined national prescribing data for people aged 10 and above between 2015 and 2021, finding antidepressant use continued to increase in Australia, especially among young people.

Sawyer believes young people need to be given more credit and appreciation for their ideas and provided with opportunities to contribute to their communities.

Opportunities to participate in school, community sport, part-time work and recreation were limited during the pandemic, she said, but were critical for children and teenagers to develop social connections and life skills that build resilience.