Emerging mental health needs among children and adolescents In Europe, and data gaps
E Doz, V Nuvoli, G Morosini, F Bellotti, S Ponte, M Zanette, M LazzeriniAbstract
Background
Existing evidence indicates rising mental health needs among children and adolescents in the European Region. However, data on epidemiological trends remains fragmented and inconsistently documented. We aimed to provide an integrated overview of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) epidemiology and associated data gaps across 30 European countries.
Methods
We conducted a structured evidence search to map publicly available multi-country epidemiological data sources on CAMH using international organisation databases and websites (WHO, UNICEF, OECD, EU), grey literature (Google), academic literature (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycArticles), and expert consultation. Analyses were conducted at country level and aggregated to estimate overall prevalence and identify data gaps.
Results
We identified 48 data sources reporting epidemiological information. Approximately 7% of children and 25% of adolescents were estimated to live with a mental disorder, most commonly anxiety, depression, and behavioural disorders. Between 2013 and 2023, prevalence increased by approximately 37%. Emerging challenges included digital-related risks, such as excessive internet use (25% of adolescents), problematic social media use (11%), and problematic gaming (12%). Important data gaps were identified: surveillance systems frequently lack information on younger children (0–9 years), vulnerable populations, and several digital-related indicators. Trend data for digital behaviours were largely unavailable. Data coverage varied across countries, while comparability was limited by differences in definitions, measurement tools, and reporting methods.
Conclusions
Children and adolescents in Europe face growing and evolving mental health challenges. Strengthening harmonized monitoring systems, improving data quality, and expanding surveillance to emerging risk domains are essential to support policy, early intervention, and equitable mental health care planning.