Mental disorders and self-harm among Brazilian children, adolescents, and young adults: prevalence, disability, and mortality estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study.

Abstract

The period from childhood to young adulthood involves heightened susceptibility to mental health problems, requiring specific health policies. We present the prevalence and burden associated with mental disorders, substance use disorders (SUDs), and self-harm in Brazilian children, adolescents, and young adults. Using Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) data, prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) were described for mental disorders and SUDs in ages 5-29 years. Self-harm mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) were described for 10-29 years (reflecting GBD modeling). Analysis was carried out disaggregated by sex. Race/ethnicity data were not available. Sixty-six unique sources from Brazil were used in GBD 2023 to model prevalence of mental disorders and SUDs. Mortality was derived from Brazil's Mortality Information System. At least one mental disorder was diagnosable in 15·6 million (20·91%) youths (6·9 million males, 8·7 million females); 2·5 million (3·36%) met criteria for at least one SUD (1·6 million males, 0·9 million females). Mental disorders and SUDs together accounted for over one third of the disability from all GBD causes in this age range. Self-harm accounted for 5402 annual deaths (4149 males, 1253 females) and 361,631 YLLs in 10 to 29-year-olds; annual mortality rate per 100,000 population ranged from 1·24 (95% UI: 1·06-1·46) at 10-14 years to 13·43 (95% UI: 12·29-14·92) at 25-29 years. The available sources indicate high prevalence and burden, underscoring the need for urgent action to safeguard the mental health of young Brazilians. None.