Adolescent mental health: Time for action - PMNCH Knowledge Summary #36

Overview

Every adolescent has a right to mental health. Promotion and protection of mental health can improve quality of life, strengthen human capital, contribute to socioeconomic development and lead to a more equitable world. Although investment in early, effective intervention for the mental health of young people was identified as a “best buy” over a decade ago, current evidence suggests that adolescent mental health remains a neglected yet pressing issue. The burden of suboptimal mental health is enormous both during adolescence and into adulthood, and it also influences the next generation.

This knowledge summary calls for increased attention to and action on adolescent mental health, where everyone has a role to play.