Mental health disorder
Definition
The proportion of young people aged 16 to 24 who have met the criteria for mental health disorder and experienced symptoms in the last twelve months, as reported in the 2004 New Zealand Mental Health Survey.
Relevance
Mental illness is a serious public health issue affecting the wellbeing of young people and the population at large.
Current level
In the 2004 New Zealand Mental Health Survey, 28.6 percent of young people aged 16 to 24 reported having experienced a mental health disorder in the previous 12 months.
The prevalence of mental health disorders varied according to type of disorder. Anxiety disorders (17.7 percent) were most common among young people aged 16 to 24, followed by mood disorders (12.7 percent), substance use disorders (9.6 percent) and eating disorders (0.6 percent).
Proportion of young people aged 16 to 24 experiencing mental health disorder in the last 12 months, by type of disorder, 2004
Source: Te Rau Hinengaro, the New Zealand Mental Health Survey: Ministry of Health, 2004.
