Quarter of all young women suffering mental health problems – Research

There’s been a huge spike in the number of young women suffering from mental health problems, a major health report has found.

According to the latest study from NHS Digital, more than a quarter (26%) of young women aged 16 to 24 are suffering worrying symptoms – more than three times the rate for men the same age (9%).

And around a quarter of young women have self-harmed – most commonly by cutting themselves – compared to just 10% of men the same age.

In 1993 young women were twice as likely as young men to exhibit common mental health disorder (CMD) symptoms. Now, they are three times more likely to experience them.

CMD symptoms include irritability, worrying, depression, anxiety, feelings of panic, compulsion and trouble sleeping.

The study, which looked at responses from 7,500 people, also found that young women are the most likely to drink at hazardous levels compared to women of other age groups, and they have high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder.

-Metro UK