Mental health disorders affect millions of Brazilian youth

A study led by psychiatrist Christian Kieling from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), published in The Lancet, estimates that 15.6 million children, adolescents, and young people in Brazil live with at least one mental disorder. Anxiety is identified as one of the most impactful conditions, potentially affecting individuals from childhood through age 29.

In São Paulo, hospitalizations of young children due to mental disorders have nearly doubled over the last five years. Common physical signs of emotional distress in children may include frequent stomach aches, headaches, resistance to leaving the house, learning difficulties, or apparent inattention.

Experts emphasize that while families and schools play a vital role in observing behavioral changes, they should not attempt to diagnose. Instead, they should identify signs and refer children to qualified professionals for proper evaluation.