The mental health crisis among young people has been a growing concern for policymakers in recent years. Even before the pandemic, rates of anxiety, depression, suicide attempts, and psychiatric hospitalizations were on the rise. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt suggests that smartphones and addictive algorithms may play a role in this crisis, while others point to factors such as school shootings, poverty, academic pressure, and insufficient healthcare. Amidst these discussions, a group of researchers in Britain have proposed the concept of “prevalence inflation” as a possible explanation for the increase in mental health diagnoses among young people. This theory suggests that the constant discussion of mental health in society may lead young people to interpret mild, transient suffering as symptoms of a medical disorder.
Psychologist Lucy Foulkes, one of the proponents of the prevalence inflation theory, became skeptical after observing how undergraduates were constantly bombarded with messages about potential mental health crises. She emphasizes that self-labeling as anxious or depressed may not always be helpful, as it can lead individuals to feel powerless over their disorders and avoid stressful situations, which could exacerbate their problems. While many schools have introduced programs on social emotional learning to help children recognize and manage their emotions, recent studies have shown lackluster or negative effects, especially for students with severe symptoms.
Despite the debate over the prevalence inflation theory, many experts in adolescent mental health believe that awareness campaigns and school-based trainings are essential, especially in the absence of easily accessible therapy and psychiatric care for teenagers in crisis. Preventive models that teach all students to manage distressing emotions have shown benefits overall, and there is also promise in tailored approaches that focus on students with the most acute needs. However, some experts argue that mental illness should be viewed as a spectrum, similar to conditions like hypertension, and early intervention with medication and therapy is crucial.
While some experts believe that over-diagnosis of mental health disorders is not a significant concern, others, like psychologist Lucy Foulkes, emphasize the importance of not medicalizing normal experiences of growing up. Negative feelings and struggles, such as those after breakups or adjusting to new schools, are not always indicative of mental illness and can actually teach resilience. Foulkes warns that applying medical diagnoses to these normal adversities may do more harm than good, especially when underlying issues like domestic abuse, poverty, or bullying are involved. Ultimately, the prevalence inflation hypothesis calls for a balanced approach to addressing mental health challenges among young people, acknowledging the benefits of increased awareness while also being cautious of over-diagnosis.
