Trends in US School-aged Children's Mental Health and Health Care, 2016-2021.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Repeated cross-sectional analysis of national survey data
PubMed 41396258 · doi:10.1097/DBP.0000000000001434
What was done
Researchers analyzed data from the 2016–2021 National Survey of Children's Health (n = 155,178) among US school-aged children (6 to 17 years). Adjusted logistic regression models evaluated time trends and between-group differences across mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions, positive indicators of well-being, and mental health care access and utilization.
What was found
In 2021, 20.4% of children aged 6 to 17 years had at least one current mental, emotional, or behavioral condition, up from 18.1% in 2016 (+13%; trend p < 0.001). Among children with a condition, 68.8% received treatment or counseling in the past year. Over half (53.6%) experienced difficulty obtaining mental health care, up from 44.0% in 2018 (trend p < 0.001), and 6.4% had unmet mental health needs, up from 4.3% in 2016 (trend p = 0.01). Four of 5 positive indicators of well-being decreased significantly (range: -8% to -14%; trend p < 0.001). Lower access to treatment was observed for publicly insured, uninsured, lower-income, and racial/ethnic minority children.
Why it matters
This study shows a worsening national pediatric mental health burden accompanied by rising barriers to care and persistent disparities for vulnerable subgroups.
Limits
The findings rely on parent- or caregiver-reported survey data rather than direct clinical evaluations. Specific effect sizes and confidence intervals for subgroup disparities and positive well-being indicators are not detailed in the abstract.