Mental health of children and young people in the WHO Europe region

Abstract

Most mental health disorders start before adulthood. They are highly prevalent, disabling and often treatable. This Series paper discusses the current problems that contribute to the growing child, adolescent and youth mental health crisis in Europe. These include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating military conflicts, the climate crisis, and unregulated digital environments. Mental health problems in youths are further compounded by a changing landscape of how children and young people engage with the world, healthcare and other services. We outline a comprehensive list of recommendations to address mental health problems through the integration of creative prevention and treatment approaches with the help of community-based services and support systems, as well as robust research and implementation strategies to ensure cost-effective, evidence-based care.

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ORCID for Samuele Cortese: orcid.org/0000-0001-5877-8075

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