Adolescent mental health: The public health response

Abstract

Mental health problems in adolescence are of great importance to public health. Mental health problems among adolescents are common, are associated with substantial suffering and functional impairment, can lead to stigma and discrimination, and increase the risk of premature death. Mental health problems not only impact on the young individuals affected, they also impact on their family members. Adolescent mental health problems (especially if left untreated) tend to persist into adulthood, increasing the risk of adult mental health disorders, poor psychosocial functioning, and poor physical health years later.