Editorial, Res J Clin Pediatr Vol: 9 Issue: 1

Adolescent Mental Health in India: An Overlooked Crisis

Arvind Menon^*

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, India

*Corresponding Author:

Arvind Menon
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, India
E-mail: arvind.menon@nimhans.edu

Received: 01-March-2025, Manuscript No RJCP-25-169431; Editor assigned: 4-March-2025, Pre-QC No. RJCP-25-169431 (PQ); Reviewed: 20-March-2025, QC No RJCP-25-169431; Revised: 26-March-2025, Manuscript No. RJCP-25- 169431 (R); Published: 30-March-2025, DOI: 10.4172/rjcp.1000165

Citation: Arvind M (2025) Adolescent Mental Health in India: An Overlooked Crisis. Res J Clin Pediatr 14:165

Introduction

Mental health issues in adolescents are increasingly being recognized as a public health priority. Depression, anxiety, and self-harm are common but often underdiagnosed due to stigma and lack of services in India.

Prevalence and Risk Determinants

According to the National Mental Health Survey, nearly 9.8 million adolescents suffer from mental health disorders in India [1]. Urban-rural disparities, academic pressure, social media influence, and family dynamics are key contributors [2].

Gender differences are notable, with girls reporting higher rates of depression and boys showing more conduct issues [3]. Substance abuse and internet addiction are emerging threats among urban adolescents [4].

School-Based and Community Interventions

Integrating mental health into school health programs can improve early identification and intervention. Life skills education and teacher training can enhance resilience and coping mechanisms [5].

Community-based models like the “MANAS” initiative have shown that lay health counselors can deliver mental health care in resource-limited settings effectively [2]. However, implementation remains inconsistent due to funding and training gaps.

References

1. Gururaj G (2016) NIMHANS Report.
2. Patel V (2007) Lancet 370: 859-77.
3. Malhotra S (2009) Indian J Psychiatry 51: 101-7.
4. Sahoo S (2015) J Indian Assoc Child Adolesc Ment Health 11: 58-74.
5. Deb S (2015) Indian J Public Health 59: 3-10.