In recent years, the wider community has started talking more about mental health, and for good reason. In Australia alone, 42.9% of people between the ages of 16 and 85 have experienced a mental health disorder. 

The latest research offers further insight into this distribution, indicating which psychological disorders are most prevalent across various age categories. This includes confirmation that the global onset of a first mental disorder occurs prior to the age of 14 in a third of people and before the age of 18 in almost half the population.   

This information provides a valuable perspective on mental health at large, as well as helping psychologists in Malvern support patients in age-aware ways.    

Mental disorders with median age onset of 8 – 13 years

In young people between the ages of 8 and 13 years, the most common mental health problems include phobias, separation anxiety, and social anxiety disorders. Patients in this group are also more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

In children, it’s important to pursue adequate diagnosis and mental health care to reduce morbidity factors later in life. Some common psychological problems affecting young people can impact learning and social development, so proper early treatment is critical. 

Mental disorders with median age onset of 17 – 22 years

From the ages of 17 to 22, patients are more likely to be diagnosed with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating and body dysmorphic disorder. This bracket is also the median age for the onset of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and cannabis use disorder. 

This age group is highly transitional, with individuals often facing a myriad of important life changes that can make seeking professional psychological support more difficult. However, young people are becoming increasingly likely to prioritise mental health care and are often more open to seeking help. 

Mental disorders with median age onset of 25 – 27 years

Between the ages of 25 and 27, the most common psychological challenges are schizophrenia, along with personality disorders and addiction. These complex disorders can have a range of effects on individuals and those around them, so it’s important to pursue adequate care. 

Fortunately, people within this age group are more willing to pursue psychological support and may also be more open to trialling various treatment options and pathways. Psychologists in Fitzroy are encouraged by this generation’s increasing awareness of mental health issues and are hopeful the long-held stigma around mental disorders will continue to diminish.

Mental disorders with median age onset of 30 – 35 years

In adults aged 30 to 35, the most common diagnoses are bipolar disorder, depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and acute and transient psychotic disorder (ATPD). 

These disorders present a range of challenges for individuals. Proper access to suitable care pathways is essential.

Mental disorders in older people

Mental health disorders can also affect those in middle age and beyond. Sometimes, this means that a disorder may begin later in life. In other cases, older patients may continue to experience symptoms associated with a disorder that began years earlier. 

Older adults can be reluctant to pursue mental health care. Psychologists in Hobart note that even individuals with the financial means to pursue ongoing counselling services may hold outdated beliefs about mental health, fearing the stigma attached.

Professional psychology services for every age

By understanding how psychological challenges can affect people from different age groups, we can break down barriers to treatment, identify and provide early intervention for at-risk children and adolescents, and ensure continuity of care for individuals throughout their lives.