One in five young people aged 11–25 years depressed, suffer from anxiety, new study shows

Nearly 25 per cent of youth aged between 11 and 25 years have moderate to severe symptoms of depression, while 21.4 per cent have anxiety, according to a new study. The findings come from a peer-reviewed study conducted by the Aga Khan Brain and Mind Institute in partnership with the Shamiri Institute. “Adverse Childhood Experiences include neglect, abuse, poverty, and violence and can have a lasting impact on how a person behaves, what they think, and how they feel,” said Prof Zul Merali, founding director of the Aga Khan Brain and Mind Institute, during the official launch of the study on Thursday. He stressed the urgent need for cross-sectoral interventions to address the root causes of mental distress.