The Burden of Mental Disorders, Substance Use Disorders and Self-Harm Among Young People in Europe, 1990–2019: Findings From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background: Mental health is a major public health issue for European young people, with great heterogeneity in resource allocation. Representative population-based studies are needed, serving also as a baseline measure for pre-pandemic data. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 provides information on trends in the health status of populations and changes in the leading causes of disease burden over time. Methods: Prevalence, incidence, Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) and Years of Life Lost (YLLs) on mental disorders (MDs), substance use disorders (SUDs) and self-harm were estimated for young people aged 10-24 years in 31 European countries. Rates per 100,000 population, percentage changes in 1990-2019, their 95% Uncertainty Intervals (UIs), and correlations with Sociodemographic Index (SDI), were analysed. Outcomes: In 2019, 13∙6 million (95% UI 15∙5–11∙9) young people had MDs, 3∙2 million (2∙6–4∙0) had SUDs, and 75,770 (59,091–95,206) committed self-harm. Anxiety contributed to 647∙3 (432–912∙3) YLDs, while self-harm to 319∙6 (248∙9–412∙8) YLLs, per 100,000 population. In the 30 years-period, YLDs mainly increased in eating disorders (+15%) and drug use disorders (+17%), while decreased in idiopathic developmental intellectual disability (–30%). YLLs greatly decreased in self-harm (–28%). Differences related to sexes, age-groups and between-countries were found. SDI was positively associated with SUDs and self-harm, and MDs with SUDs. Interpretation: Mental conditions represent a major burden of disability and premature deaths among the young living in Europe. Policy should strengthen mental health, with a specific focus on young people. Funding Information: This study was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Declaration of Interests: We declare no competing interests (to be assessed).