New Study Links COVID-19 Era to Increased Psychopathology in Adolescents

A new GCAMHS study published in the journal Child and Adolescent Mental Health reports a concerning rise in psychological difficulties among teenagers following the COVID-19 pandemic, with girls showing the sharpest increases.

Researchers analyzed survey data from 9,024 Finnish students aged 13–16 collected in 2014, 2018 and 2023 using identical methods. Mental health was measured with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, alongside questions on self-harm, substance use and help-seeking.

Compared with 2018, girls in 2023 were significantly more likely to report emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity and overall psychological distress. Reports of severe difficulties nearly tripled, while weekly smoking and help-seeking also increased. Among boys, changes were smaller, with rises mainly in hyperactivity and perceived severe difficulties, and a decline in alcohol use.

Notably, the period between 2014 and 2018 showed little change, suggesting the pandemic years marked a turning point. Researchers say the findings highlight the need for earlier detection of mental health problems and stronger support systems for adolescents, particularly girls, in the post-pandemic era.

Sourander A, Zhang X, Dadras O, Abio A, Mishina K, Ståhlberg T, Mori Y, Gilbert S, Heinonen E, Gyllenberg D. Self-reported changes in adolescent mental health, deliberate self-harm, substance use, and help-seeking behavior before and after the COVID-19 pandemic – A Finnish time-trend study. Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2026 Feb;31(1):13-22. doi: 10.1111/camh.70040.