A comprehensive new study from the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) reveals that over one in five people in England (22%) are now living with a common mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression—a figure that rises to a staggering 26% among young adults aged 16 to 24.
The findings are part of the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS), commissioned by NHS England and conducted in partnership with University College London (UCL), revealing the largest rise in mental health disorders in over two decades.
Key Findings From the Survey
- 22% of adults in England have a diagnosable common mental health condition
- 26% of young people aged 16–24 are affected—the highest among all age groups
- Women, especially younger women, experience significantly higher rates than men
- Nearly one in five adults reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression or anxiety
This marks a notable increase from the last APMS survey in 2014, signaling how deeply the COVID-19 pandemic, economic pressures, and social isolation have affected the national psyche.
Mental Health Inequality Among Women
The study reveals an alarming gender gap:
- Women were more than twice as likely as men to report moderate-to-severe symptoms
- Young women (under 25) face disproportionate levels of anxiety, self-harm, and distress linked to social media exposure
Experts urge targeted support strategies, especially for women and adolescents, to combat this mental health surge.
NHS and Public Health Implications
The surge in mental illness prevalence is prompting calls for:
- Expanded mental health services within primary care
- Increased investment in youth-focused digital interventions
- Early intervention programs to prevent chronic psychological conditions
“This research provides critical evidence that mental health conditions are more prevalent than ever, especially among young adults,” said Professor Sally McManus, lead researcher at UCL.
Key Takeaways:
- Over 1 in 5 adults in England now have a common mental health disorder.
- Young adults and women are the most severely affected demographic groups.
- The NHS is being urged to scale up accessible, equitable mental health care.
- The findings reflect long-term societal impacts of post-pandemic stressors.
