In an analysis of behavioral health data from the GGC4H study, researchers observed a significant increase in the rate of depression among early adolescents during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The results extend findings on adolescent mental health during the pandemic to younger adolescents, a relatively understudied population.
The report was published online ahead of print in the Journal of Adolescence.
GGC4H, an NIH Collaboratory Trial, is a pragmatic clinical trial testing the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing within healthcare systems the Guiding Good Choices substance use prevention program for caregivers of adolescents aged 11 to 13 years. Youth included in the current analysis completed a behavioral health survey between March and September 2020 and again between September 2020 and May 2021. The survey included self-reported measures of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
The researchers observed high initial and sustained rates of anxiety and suicidal ideation and a significant increase in depression. Prevalance of mental health concerns was greatest for female and Hispanic youth early in the pandemic and for female and Medicaid-insured youth at mid-pandemic.
GGC4H is supported within the NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory by a cooperative agreement from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Learn more about the NIH Collaboratory Trials.