Fewer young people treated for mental illness
The number of children and adolescents in Schleswig-Holstein being treated for mental illnesses has fallen, according to the health insurance provider DAK. In 2022, 18 percent fewer girls were treated for mental illnesses than in 2021, according to DAK. For boys, the decrease was twelve percent.
The figures come from a DAK analysis as part of the Children and Youth Report for Schleswig-Holstein. The data is based on billing data from around 44,800 children and young people up to and including the age of 17 who are insured with DAK.
Girls between the ages of 15 and 17 in particular are receiving medical treatment for depression, anxiety and eating disorders. The rate of new cases of depression fell by 23% in 2022 compared to 2021. Compared to 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic, however, there was an increase of eleven percent. The number of new cases of eating disorders fell by eight percent in 2022 compared to the previous year, but increased by 107 percent compared to 2019.
According to the figures, adolescent boys are treated less frequently for mental illnesses or behavioral disorders. In Schleswig-Holstein, for example, 17 percent fewer 15 to 17-year-olds received a new diagnosis in this area last year than in 2019. The figure for adolescent girls was only four percent lower.
Despite the latest figures, Ralf van Heek, a paediatrician and chairman of the Professional Association of Paediatricians and Adolescent Doctors in Schleswig-Holstein, sees cause for concern. "There is no all-clear." The decline in Schleswig-Holstein could be due to under-diagnosis or under-supply. Once a crisis has been overcome, mental health improves. However, this improvement phase in 2022 was less pronounced than expected. Scientists attribute this to the climate crisis and wars.
DAK regional head Cord-Eric Lubinski called for more prevention to strengthen the mental health of children and young people.
In the context of decreasing mental illness treatments among youth, it's worth noting that fewer children and youth, particularly girls, are utilizing health insurance for mental health care. For instance, 18% less girls were treated in 2022 compared to 2021. Additionally, health insurance providers like DAK should consider implementing more preventive measures to bolster the mental health of children and young people, as advocated by DAK regional head Cord-Eric Lubinski.
Source: www.dpa.com
