Sociodemographic Patterns in Mood and Anxiety Disorders Among Youth and Young Adults in Canada: An Analysis of the 2015-2021 Surveillance Data

TL;DR

This study analyzes trends in mood and anxiety disorders among Canadian youth and young adults from 2015 to 2021, revealing rising rates and significant disparities across sociodemographic groups.

Contribution

The study provides updated national surveillance data highlighting sociodemographic disparities in mood and anxiety disorders among Canadian youth.

Findings

Prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders increased from 12.9% in 2015 to 17.3% in 2021.

Higher rates were observed among females, Indigenous populations, low-income groups, and residents of Atlantic provinces.

Young adults aged 18-25 had the highest prevalence compared to other age groups.

Abstract

Background and objective

Mood and anxiety disorders are increasingly affecting youth and young adults in Canada, with significant sociodemographic disparities. Understanding these patterns is essential for guiding targeted mental health interventions. Hence, this study aimed to describe the trends in diagnosed mood and anxiety disorders among Canadian youth (12-29 years) from 2015 to 2021, and to compare prevalence across sociodemographic groups (sex, age, income, geography, and ethnocultural identity).

Methods

This study used cross-sectional surveillance data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (2015-2021), analyzing weighted prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) stratified by key sociodemographic factors using descriptive statistical methods.

Results

The overall prevalence of diagnosed mood and anxiety disorders increased from 12.9% (95% CI: 11.7-14.2) in 2015 to 17.3% (95% CI: 15.6-18.9) in 2021. Female youth consistently reported higher rates than males (22.8% vs. 12.0% in 2021). Young adults aged 18-25 had the highest burden compared to adolescents (13.4%) and older youth. The prevalence was disproportionately higher among indigenous populations (33.7%), low-income groups, and residents of Atlantic provinces. Immigrants and racialized groups reported lower prevalence, but this may be attributed to underdiagnosis or systemic barriers to care.

Conclusions

Mood and anxiety disorders among Canadian youth are on the rise, with significant disparities in terms of sex, age, income, and ethnicity. These findings underscore the urgent need for equitable, culturally competent mental health services, early intervention, and policy responses tailored to vulnerable groups. Population-level surveillance combined with clinical insights is crucial to inform targeted mental health strategies and promote resilience in Canada’s youth and young adult populations.

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