A France Public Health Survey showed an increase in episodes of depression in 2021 throughout the population; The share of the 18-24 year olds affected has almost doubled since 2017.
by Pascale Santi
The health crisis caused by the COVVI-19 epidemic, which has lasted for three years, had a strong impact on the mental health of the population. The increase in the number of people with depressive disorders has been “unprecedented” since 2017, according to the latest weekly epidemiological bulletin (BEH) , published Tuesday February 14 by Public Health France (SPF).
Overall, 13.3 % of people aged 18 to 75 experienced a depressive episode in 2021, an increase of 36 % compared to 2017. The increase is major in young adults (18 -24 years), with 20.8 % of this age group affected in 2021, against 11.7 % four years earlier, an increase of almost 80 %; Young women are more concerned (26.5 %) than young men (15.2 %).
These figures come from the France Public Health Barometer, which interviewed 24,514 people aged 18 to 85 by telephone and online, according to a random poll which regularly assesses the psychic health of the population since 2005 .
To measure depression, the health agency uses a short version of a short version of the International Composite questionnaire Diagnostic Interview, developed by the World Health Organization, which is used to define the characterized episode. This corresponds to the existence of an episode of sadness or loss of interest for at least two consecutive weeks, and at least three so-called “secondary” symptoms (fatigue, loss or weight gain, sleep problem , concentration, ideas of death, etc.), with an impact on daily life. These episodes are described as light, moderate or severe. “We expected this increase, but not at such a level, especially among young people,” notes Christophe Léon, in charge of surveys in the Mental Health Unit, and also one of the authors.
This strong prevalence in age group 18-24 years, a key period, “is partly linked to life situations – professional, family and financial situations – undoubtedly more precarious in the context of crisis sanitary “, report the authors of the Beh.
“Social isolation generated by confinements, uncertainties about studies and the future, precariousness highlighted during the pandemic, and probably the very anxiety -provoking current context – Climate crisis, war, economic situation – , weighed strongly on the youngest “, deciphers Enguerrand du Roscoät, head of the mental health unit in SPF, co -author of the study. Having history of mental disorders is also a risk factor.
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