One in Five Serbian Youth Faces Psychiatric Disorders

A recent study in Serbia reveals alarming statistics about the mental health of children and adolescents. Approximately 20% of youth aged 11 to 19 are affected by at least one psychiatric disorder, highlighting a pressing mental health crisis. This research, conducted by the Institute for Mental Health in conjunction with the Faculties of Medicine and Philosophy in Belgrade, is the first of its kind in Serbia and aims to assess the prevalence of these disorders and the necessity for improved mental health services.

The study involved 1,932 respondents from 34 schools across Serbia and found that 9% of students reported suicidal thoughts or attempts, while 8.7% showed symptoms consistent with major depressive disorders. These findings indicate that many young people are not experiencing temporary emotional issues but are instead dealing with significant clinical depression. In children, depression can manifest differently than in adults, leading to underdiagnosis and insufficient support.

Neuropsychologist Aleksandra Parojčić, a contributor to the study, described the preliminary results as “more than alarming,” noting that the findings surpassed even their most pessimistic expectations. Anxiety disorders were also prevalent, affecting about 5% of respondents, with panic disorder being the most common at 2.4%. Additionally, eating disorders, including anorexia at 2.3%, and behavioral disorders at 2.2% were reported. The data also revealed troubling behaviors among students, with 14.2% engaging in self-harm and 4.2% having attempted suicide.

The research further indicated that 27.7% of participants had experienced physical abuse within their families, either as victims or witnesses. In addition, 5.4% reported being bullied at school. These factors likely contribute to the mental health issues observed in the study.

The survey’s findings align with global trends, where similar studies in various countries report psychiatric disorders in 10% to 20% of children, depending on methodology and demographics. However, the visibility of these issues in Serbia is alarming, as there has been no prior research specifically focusing on children under 18.

Despite some positive trends, such as increased willingness among youths to seek help, there remains a pervasive stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in smaller towns. This underscores the importance of raising awareness about the need for mental health support and resources.

In Belgrade, the Youth Mental Health Center (CEZAM) offers essential psychosocial services to young people at no cost and serves as a model for similar centers across the country. Parojčić emphasizes the need for preventive measures, urging authorities to address mental health concerns before they escalate into more severe disorders. She advocates for improved accessibility to services and a greater number of mental health professionals.

Psychologist Radmila Grujičić points out that the rise in mental health issues is not surprising given the pressures young people face from parents, schools, and social media, which often set unrealistic standards. A supportive social and familial environment is crucial for mitigating anxiety and depression, as instability can exacerbate these problems.

Grujičić stresses the importance of quality interactions between parents and children, advocating for genuine communication to identify potential issues early on. She notes that genuine interest and attention can help prevent serious symptoms from developing.

The societal context plays a significant role in shaping youth behavior and mental health. Grujičić highlights a shift in parenting styles and societal expectations, which may contribute to the increasing incidence of behavioral disorders among children. This situation calls for a reevaluation of the support systems available to families and children.

Ultimately, addressing these mental health issues requires collective responsibility from parents, educators, and the community. As Grujičić concludes, understanding and responding to the needs of children today is essential for fostering their well-being and preventing the escalation of mental health disorders.