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Gothenburg, Sweden – A recent study from the University of Gothenburg has revealed a concerning trend in Swedish teenagers’ mental health, showcasing a stark divide between those thriving and those deeply struggling. The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, highlights a significant polarization in well-being among adolescents aged 13 to 16.
Researchers compared two groups: one from 2004 and another from 2019–2020, using the internationally recognized Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) to assess depressive symptoms. The findings paint a complex picture of youth mental health.
While the overall proportion of adolescents reporting depressive symptoms saw a moderate increase from 21% in 2004 to 29% in 2019–2020, the real story lies in the extremes. Significantly more teenagers in the 2019–2020 group reported very high levels of well-being, with 33% scoring very low on the CDI, indicating strong mental health, compared to only 15% in 2004.
However, this positive trend is juxtaposed with a troubling rise in the severity of depressive symptoms among those struggling. Adolescents reporting depressive symptoms in the later group rated themselves significantly higher on self-deprecating and negative thoughts than their counterparts in 2004.
“Those who report high levels of depressive symptoms today rate themselves significantly higher than those in previous cohorts. We also see notable increases in certain areas, particularly self-deprecation—something that primarily affects young women,” stated Carl Wikberg, district nurse and adjunct senior lecturer at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.
The CDI assessment revealed that among those with depressive symptoms in 2019–2020, statements like “Nothing is fun at all,” “I am bad all the time,” and “I can never be as good as other kids” were prevalent.
“The fact that some young people report strong self-loathing is concerning and can make us feel despair. However, there is also hope: we are seeing a larger proportion of adolescents at the very lowest end of the scale, meaning their mental well-being has improved. So, the trend is not entirely negative,” Wikberg added.
Researchers suggest that increased public discourse on mental health may influence how teenagers report their well-being. However, they emphasize the critical role of school health services and primary care in identifying and supporting at-risk youth. Screening tools like the CDI can play a crucial part in early detection and intervention.
The 2019–2020 group consisted of 617 adolescents, while the 2004 comparison group had 80 participants. The study is part of a larger research project on adolescent depression.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided by the University of Gothenburg study. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health difficulties, please seek professional help. Mental health is complex, and individual experiences may vary.
