Racial Disparities in Teen Depression Treatment Exposed During Pandemic
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that approximately 20% of adolescents experienced symptoms of major depressive disorder in 2021, but less than half of those in need received treatment. Treatment disparities were particularly evident among minority adolescents, with Latino and mixed-race teens having the highest rates of depression but the lowest rates of treatment. The study highlights the need for policymakers to address the inequities in mental health treatment and ensure timely access to high-quality care for all adolescents, especially marginalized populations.