For many young people in Saxony, the consequences of the pandemic, fears about the future and ongoing crises have led to increasing mental health problems. This is confirmed by the DAK-Gesundheit child and youth report. The scientific study found a particularly sharp rise in anxiety disorders, depression and eating disorders among girls aged between 15 and 17 in Saxony.
According to the report, around 67 out of every 1,000 DAK-insured adolescent girls were receiving treatment for an anxiety disorder in 2024. Compared to the last pre-pandemic year 2019, this corresponds to an increase of 73 percent. At the same time, the number of chronic anxiety disorders rose by 88 percent. The number of cases of eating disorders was 57% higher than the pre-pandemic level. The number of treatments for depression also remained high,
When anxiety becomes a constant
The latest results show the seriousness of the situation and a new dimension, said Stefan Wandel, DAK regional head in Saxony. "The faint hope of a decline in mental illness has not materialized. Anxiety, depression and eating disorders now accompany many young people permanently - especially girls."
According to pediatricians, mental health problems in children and adolescents are now a regular part of everyday practice. It is therefore imperative that health issues are firmly anchored in everyday school life, demanded Wandel.
Extensive data analyzed
For the analysis, scientists examined the billing data of more than 19,100 children and adolescents up to and including the age of 17 who are insured with DAK-Gesundheit in Saxony, according to the report. The time window from 2019 to 2024 was examined, with around one million outpatient visits to doctors and therapists, hospital stays and drug prescriptions.
In total, more than 160,000 people are insured with the health insurance company in Saxony.
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