Mental health claims for children and young people have surged 25 per cent since 2022, according to Aviva.
According to Aviva’s private healthcare data, there was a notable increase in the number of adolescents and young adults who utilised Aviva’s group healthcare schemes’ mental health pathway in 2023 as opposed to 2022.
Meanwhile, one in five aged eight to 25 showed signs of a probable mental health disorder as of November 2023.
While young men also continued to seek treatment, women continued to use mental health services at a larger rate than men, making approximately 71 per cent of claims for children under 16.
Around 80per cent of cases in 2023 will be related to anxiety, which will continue to be the main cause of claims. Among those under 16, there has been a noticeable increase in the demand for psychiatry services.
Furthermore, anxiety and depression cases drove a 20 per cent increase in adult utilisation of the mental health pathway in 2023, leading many parents to seek guidance on managing their children’s mental health.
Aviva UK Health medical director Dr Suba M says: “There’s no getting away from the fact that the uncertainty of the recent years has left a worrying legacy on the mental health of children and often, their families.
“As a parent myself, I know how the welfare of your children can affect your own mental health and it’s important that both parents and children have the support they need to help them through the situation.
“If extra care is needed, our mental health pathways, offer personalised, evidence-based support that helps the individual understand what’s causing their mental health problems, and offers coping mechanisms and ongoing support to help them take control of the situation and get on the road to recovery.
“At Aviva, we’re helping in several ways. Through our webinars, we’re enabling parents to spot the warning signs that something is wrong, and giving them the confidence to talk to their children about mental health and practical tools to help support their needs.”
