One in four young adults now living with mental health condition, new NHSE survey reveals

The latest Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS), published by NHS England, shows a sharp rise in mental health issues among the population in England, particularly among young adults, alongside persisting inequalities linked to deprivation and debt.

Conducted by the National Centre for Social Research, with City St George’s, University of London and the University of Leicester, this fifth survey in the series draws on data from a general population survey of adults. It tracks the prevalence of both treated and untreated psychiatric disorders, using clinical assessments for common mental disorders, and screening tools for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The APMS results offer a stark insight into the growing mental health burden in England, particularly among younger people and those facing economic hardship.

Increased prevalence of poor mental health

The findings reveal a rise in mental health concerns. Overall, 22.6% of 16- to 64-year-olds were identified with a common mental health condition in 2023/4, up from 17.6% in 2007. Prevalence was consistently higher in women than men.

The proportion of people reporting lifetime non-suicidal self-harm nearly tripled over this period, from 3.8% in 2007 to 10.3% in 2023/4.

The statistics also show that young adults remain a key group, as one in four (25.8%) 16 to 24 year olds had a common mental health condition. Young people were also more likely to report self-harm and screen positive for PTSD and ADHD than any other age group.

Persistent socioeconomic inequalities

The data also underline persistent socioeconomic inequalities. Adults living in the most deprived fifth of areas, or experiencing problem debt, were more likely to have a common mental health condition, report lifetime non-suicidal self-harm and screen positive for PTSD. Those not in employment showed a similarly high prevalence.

There was also a clear link between physical and mental health. Adults with limiting physical health conditions were more likely to have a common mental health disorder and report self-harm or PTSD symptoms.

Increased use of mental health treatment

Despite the rising prevalence, treatment access has improved over time. Nearly half (47.7%) of adults aged 16 to 74 with symptoms reported receiving treatment, up from 24.4% in 2007. The use of psychological therapies rose to 17.9%, while mental health medication use nearly doubled to 38.4%.

Sally McManus, Professor of Social Epidemiology at City St George's and Senior Research Fellow at the National Centre for Social Research, said:

“The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey is a barometer of the nation’s mental health, and the longest running series of its kind in the world. The results show one in five adults have depression or an anxiety disorder, compared with one in six a decade ago.”

“It also shows that one in nine (10.8%) adults have self-harmed: this is a four-fold increase from 2000. We need to support effective and healthier ways of coping with distress. Ethnic inequalities persist, and in this survey, those identifying with mixed, multiple and other ethnicities emerged as having some of the worst mental health outcomes. This group had especially high rates of PTSD and self-harm. The study also shows that ethnic inequalities in treatment receipt persist among those with symptoms, with people identifying as Black or Asian less likely to get treatment.”

Sarah Morris, Research Director, National Centre for Social Research, said:

“It’s incredibly exciting to see this research published — the outcome of a tremendous collaborative effort. These important findings wouldn’t have been possible without every single participant who generously gave their time, our fantastic panel of interviewers, as well as the invaluable support from NHS England, the Department for Health and Social Care, the University of Leicester, and City St George's, University of London.”

Professor Terry Brugha, from University of Leicester’s Population Health Sciences department, said:

“In spite of considerable increases in the availability and the use of psychological and medical treatments for acute and common mental health problems since 1993 when these surveys began, we are not seeing reductions in the number of people affected with these problems. Australia and the Netherlands are investing substantially in mental health prevention programmes and research, which we also need to be doing here in England.

“It’s vitally important we understand who is most likely to develop a disorder and who is most likely to access support for this so that we can begin to tackle the issues and fill in the gaps.

“For years mental health was seen as a stigma, but now that’s been broken down - we’re much more aware that we can and need to look for help. This survey will help by looking at contributory factors and by measuring trends over time.”