Prevalence of selected mental disorders among graduation class adolescents: data from a screening study

Katarzyna Nowicka-Sauer , Bartosz Karcz , Aleksandra Dymowska , Janusz Siebert

Abstract

Background An increase in the prevalence of mental disorders and suicidal attempts is being observed worldwide. This tendency is also being noted among adolescents. A consistent screening for mental disorders among adolescents can be helpful in early diagnosis Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of selected mental disorders among graduation class adolescents by means of a screening assessment. Material and methods The study sample consisted of 399 graduation class adolescents, including 221 (55.4%) women and 178 (44.6%) men. The median age was 18.0 years. The Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Patient Health Questionnaire (PRIME -MD PHQ) was used. Results ‘Alcohol abuse’ was preliminary diagnosed in 134 (33.6%) participants and was the most common disorder in the studied group. A preliminary diagnosis of ‘major depression’ was made in 21 (6.2%) adolescents. The same prevalence – 60 (15%) – of ‘other depressive’ and ‘other anxiety disorders’ was noted. In 10 participants (2.5%), ‘panic syndrome’ was preliminary diagnosed. Bulimia nervosa was suspected in 5 (1.3%) of the participants, and ‘other eating disorders’ in 34 (8.5%). ‘Other depressive disorders’ and ‘other anxiety disorders’ were more common in women than men (p = 0.002 and p = 0.029, respectively). ‘Alcohol abuse’ was significantly more prevalent among men (p = 0.025). Conclusions 1. Preliminary diagnosis of alcohol abuse was the most common in the studied adolescent group. This problem was especially frequent among men. 2. Psycho-educative intervention is of great importance among youngsters, especially among graduation adolescents. 3. Screening for mental disorders among graduation adolescents seems vital.