Why is it in the news?
Economic Survey 2025–26 acknowledged rising adolescent mental health challenges.
Incidents involving teenagers have spotlighted systemic gaps and digital risks.
Category: Polity
Important Points:
● 7–10% Indian adolescents have diagnosable mental health conditions
● 5–7% school-aged children suffer from ADHD
● Suicide rate in India: 12.6 per 100,000 (above global average 9.2)
● 70–92% treatment gap in mental health services
● India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 (WHO norm: 3 per 100,000)
● Urban prevalence (13.5%) higher than rural (6.9%)
● Economic burden estimated at USD 1.03 trillion (2012–2030)
● Initiatives: NMHP, Mental Healthcare Act 2017, Tele MANAS, RKSK
● Budget 2026–27 proposes second NIMHANS campus in northern India