A study recently published in the Journal of Adolescent Health examined the prevalence of mental illness in young mothers (younger than 21). The researchers surveyed 450 women living in Ontario, Canada.

The data revealed that almost 2 out of 3 of these women have “reported at least one mental health problem,” with almost 40% of the participants identified with more than one diagnosis. These younger mothers were 2-4 times more likely to be diagnosed with some form of an anxiety disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, or conduct disorder than older mothers.

These data ultimately showcase a need for healthcare systems and practitioners to take into account the mental health and wellbeing of all mothers, and especially younger mothers.

Please read more about the study here.

Source: https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(19)30875-4/fulltext#secsectitle0085