Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 5: A recent study by the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, has revealed that one in every four school-going adolescents is at risk of developing mental health illnesses, underlining the urgent need for early detection and intervention.

Led by Dr. Kavita Vasudevan, Head of Community Medicine, the study screened adolescents aged 13–17 years from government schools in both urban and rural Puducherry to assess mental health status. The research found that 25.5% of the 329 students surveyed were at risk.

The findings, published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, highlighted that students in urban areas exhibited higher levels of hyperactivity and emotional symptoms compared to their rural counterparts.

Key risk factors identified included family income, parental occupation, and behavioral changes, such as declining academic performance — observations frequently noted by teachers.

“Adolescence is a critical developmental phase, and periodic mental health screenings in schools can ensure timely support and treatment,” the researchers noted.

They recommended a multi-level intervention strategy involving schools, families, and communities, along with life skill education, to address mental health issues proactively and effectively.