A recent report from France’s national health system showed a concerning trend in the consumption of psychoactive drugs among young people aged 12 to 25. The report revealed a significant increase in the number of young people taking antidepressants, hypnotics, and antipsychotics compared to other age groups, highlighting a potential deterioration in the mental health of the French population, particularly among the youth.
The study also pointed out that young women accounted for most of the prescriptions and saw the largest increases in drug prescriptions. This gender difference in mental health was previously highlighted in a 2023 World Health Organization report.
While these drugs can alleviate symptoms, there are concerns about potential side effects, especially when prescribed to adolescents and young adults during a crucial period of psychological maturation. To address this growing issue, the French national health report included 30 proposals to improve healthcare, with a specific focus on improving support for GPs and restructuring mental health care pathways to enable faster treatment for young people.
In response to the post-pandemic mental health challenges, the European Commission announced initiatives to address mental health issues among children and young people. This includes funding for the development of tools to promote healthy lifestyles and mental wellbeing. Experts are also warning about a potential shortage of child psychiatrists in the coming years, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to support the mental health of young people in France and across Europe.
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