"Epidemic": Associate Professor of PIMU on the rise of mental disorders among adolescents

      Photo: freepik

      Over the past 10 years, the number of adolescents with mental disorders in Russia has increased by 53%. The Nizhny Novgorod region is no exception: Associate Professor of Psychiatry at PIMU Ivan Karpukhin confirms the "epidemic" of anxiety, depression, and even bipolar disorder among children aged 15-17. The portal "Living in Nizhny" found out the reasons.

      Growth figures

      According to Rosstat, the incidence of mental disorders among adolescents aged 15 to 17 in Russia has increased by 53% over the past 10 years. A steady increase in such diagnoses has been observed since 2015. An increase in incidence is also noted among children under 14, although in this age category it is insignificant.

      "The Nizhny Novgorod region is not an exception to the nationwide trend. We confirm that the number of individuals with mental disorders in the age category of 15-17 has indeed increased. Official statistics show a significant rise, and I would say that unofficial statistics may be even more pronounced," said Ivan Karpukhin. According to him, there is currently a kind of "epidemic" of mental disorders among children and adolescents — doctors are increasingly identifying disorders of varying severity: from affective and personality disorders to autism spectrum disorders.

      Photo: freepik

      Among adolescents aged 15 to 17, affective spectrum disorders are most commonly diagnosed — primarily anxiety and depression.

      "As for personality disorders, until the age of 16, this diagnosis is not entirely valid: at a younger age, it concerns character accentuations or physiological features. Diagnoses of behavioral disorders and adaptation disorders are made — these are so-called borderline mental disorders that may stabilize over time," says Ivan Karpukhin.

      Recently, Nizhny Novgorod doctors have increasingly diagnosed bipolar disorder in adolescents. However, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, according to the psychiatrist, occur with the same frequency as before.

      Live communication instead of anxiety

      The main reason for the increase in mental diagnoses is the enormous flow of information that daily bombards children and adolescents.

      "This causes chronic overstrain and leads to maladaptation, including in the mental sphere. The human brain matures only after the age of 20, and at 15-17, it is still immature. Against the backdrop of colossal stress, decompensation occurs. Initially, this manifests as short-term mental disorders, but with continued exposure to stress factors and a lack of timely help, they can transition into chronic forms," explained Ivan Karpukhin.

      Photo: freepik

      Parents should closely monitor changes in their adolescent's behavior. This is the first signal that something is wrong with the child.

      "If the child was born healthy, without any known congenital pathology, then any atypical behavior serves as a signal: unmotivated aggression, unusual withdrawal, retreating into oneself. It is important to compare how things were before and how they are now," noted the psychiatrist.

      The inner world of an adolescent is often closed. They do not want to share their problems with their parents but may open up to a psychologist. The main recommendation from the specialist is to be attentive to your child.

      "Be there: swim together, play tennis, go to the theater, read books and discuss them. In the face of the live human communication that we all currently lack, it is necessary to find time for close conversations. Only then will you not miss the moment when something happens to your child," recommends Ivan Karpukhin.

      The growing interest in mental health in society has also played a role. People are now less afraid to seek help from specialists if they suspect they or their child have mental health issues. This, in turn, helps to start treatment in a timely manner and avoid much more serious consequences.

      More news about the event:

      "Pandemic": Associate Professor of PIMU on the rise of mental disorders among adolescents

      Photo: freepik

      Over the past 10 years, the number of adolescents with mental disorders in Russia has increased by 53%. 11:38 11.05.2026 Network publication Living in Nizhny - Nizhny Novgorod

      Psychiatrist Karpukhin stated about the "epidemic" of disorders among Nizhny Novgorod adolescents

      Photo: freepik.com

      Over the past 10 years, the number of adolescents with mental disorders in Russia has increased by 53%, and the same trend is observed in the Nizhny Novgorod region. 11:38 11.05.2026 Network publication Living in Nizhny - Nizhny Novgorod