The stability of mental health problems among Dutch 19-24 years students and non-students in the past decade

It is estimated that about 20% of the young adults had a least one mental disorder in the past 12 months according to DSM-IV. However, reports suggest that the prevalence of (mental) health problems and mental disorders are increasing among this group, and especially among students. Aim of the present study is to assess if the prevalence of mental health problems (MHP) among Dutch 19-24 years old students and non-students did increase in the past decade. For this purpose, data was extracted from the LISS panel, based on a representative sample of the Dutch population. We focused on three exclusive groups, i.e. students and non-students who were 19-24 years old in 2007 (n=383), 2012 (n=351) or 2017 (n=362). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the 2012 and 2017 group did not have more moderate-very severe or very severe MHP than the 2007 group. Compared to this group the 2012 and 2017 group also did not have a greater more fatigue, a better general health, a decline in health compared to past year, problems with study due to health or emotional problems, more contact with a psychiatrist/psychologist or psychotherapist since last year, or a higher prevalence of medicines use for anxiety and depression. Moreover, no differences were found between students and non-students. Our findings do not provide support for concerns about an increase in mental health problems among this group.