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Data Snapshot Reveals Alarming Depression Rates Among Youth

JUVJUST - Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) Among Youth, 2022

OJJDP has updated its Statistical Briefing Book with a new Data Snapshot on major depressive episodes (MDE) among youth. The snapshot draws on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

The data show one in five youth ages 12–17 experienced an MDE in 2022. Among youth who had experienced an MDE in 2022, nearly half received treatment for depression. The data also show that more than 8 in 10 youth who experienced an MDE in 2022 perceived the COVID−19 pandemic as having a negative impact on their emotional or mental health.

Developed for OJJDP by the National Center for Juvenile Justice, the research division of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the Statistical Briefing Book offers easy online access to statistics on a variety of juvenile justice topics.


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Date Published: July 8, 2024