Journal
EMERGING ADULTHOOD
Volume 2, Issue 3, Pages 163-172Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
DOI: 10.1177/2167696813513563
Keywords
mental health; substance use/abuse; depression; gender; minorities; transitions to adulthood
Funding
- Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [U45MC 00002, U45MC 00023]
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Onset of most mental disorders occurs by the mid-20s, yet studies of mental health (MH) status are limited for younger adults (YAs) aged 18-25. The objectives were to determine YAs' rates of MH and substance use (SU) disorders, treatment, and sociodemographic disparities. To determine relative vulnerability and unmet need, overall rates were compared between ages 18-25 and 26-34. Using the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (n = 25,216), we estimated past-year serious psychological distress, major depressive episode, alcohol and drug abuse/dependence, and treatment for both age groups and examined YA subgroup differences (gender, race/ethnicity, income, education, and insurance). YAs had higher prevalence of MHand SU disorders, but lower treatment rates than older adults. YA females had higher MH but lower SU disorder rates than males. Other sociodemographic disparities were noted. Efforts to improve YAs' MH status are necessary to foster a successful transition to adulthood.
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