Geneva: Depression is the top global cause of illness and disability for adolescents, with suicide the third-biggest cause of death, the World Health Organisation said on Wednesday.
The finding is in a new report by the UN agency, which has pulled together a wealth of published evidence with direct consultations with 10 to 19-year-olds around the world to assess the health issues that affect them.
“The world has not paid enough attention to the health of adolescents,” says Flavia Bustreo, head of the WHO’s family, women and children's health division. Some studies show that half of all people who develop mental disorders have their first symptoms by the age of 14, said the report.
“If adolescents with mental health problems get the care they need, this can prevent deaths and avoid suffering throughout life,” it said.
The study looked at a broad range of issues, including tobacco, alcohol and drug use, HIV, injuries, mental health, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, and violence.
Traffic injuries were the number two cause of illness and disability, behind depression, with boys three times more likely to die than girls.
WHO said it was crucial for countries to reduce the risk by increasing access to reliable and safe public transport and improve road safety regulations.
