Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A (2024)

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental phase from ages 10 to 19, influencing lifestyle behaviors with lasting health implications. The World Health Organization identifies youth health risk behaviors (HRBs) like physical inactivity and emotional disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, which affect academic performance and quality of life. Comorbidity is common, with significant overlaps between anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, highlighting the need for tailored interventions across diverse populations.

Aim of the study: The study aims to investigate the prevalence and comorbidity of anxiety and depression in adolescents.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, International Medical College and Hospital, Tongi, Gazipur, Bangladesh. It targeted 12-19-year-old adolescents over one year, enrolling 150 participants. Married adolescents were excluded from the study. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested interview schedule. Informed consent was obtained from parents and assent from minors. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (V-26.0), with significance set at P<0.05.

Result: The mean age is 17.48 years, and there is an almost equal gender distribution. The mean BMI was 24.14. Socioeconomic status showed 42.55% upper class, 35.64% middle class, and 21.82% lower class. Most participants (83.27%) were from urban areas. Personal and family histories of mental illness were minimal. Anxiety and depression were prevalent, with 55.33% having anxiety and 44.67% having depression. Substance-related and addictive disorders were the most common comorbidity (36%), followed by bipolar disorders (22%). Associations between these comorbidities and anxiety/depression were significant.

Conclusion: The study found high prevalence and comorbidity of anxiety (55.33%) and depression (44.67%) in 150 adolescents. Substance-related disorders were the most common comorbidity (36%). These findings highlight the need for improved mental health services and early interventions to address the complexity of adolescent mental health.