What mental health issue is prevalent in adolescents and often has its onset before age 24?

Depression is indeed a mental health issue that is particularly prevalent among adolescents, with a notable tendency for its onset to occur before the age of 24. This critical period of adolescence and early adulthood is characterized by significant emotional and developmental changes, making young individuals more vulnerable to depressive disorders. Symptoms of depression can manifest in various ways, including persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite, and significant alterations in sleep patterns.

Research indicates that early identification and intervention for adolescent depression can lead to better long-term outcomes. Adolescents often face academic, social, and familial pressures that can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy or hopelessness, further contributing to the prevalence of depression in this age group.

While other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders and schizophrenia, also present challenges, their typical onset age and prevalence in adolescents differ from that of depression. Anxiety disorders can often be identified during childhood or early adolescence, whereas schizophrenia usually emerges later, typically in late adolescence to early adulthood, making depression the most relevant choice for this question.