Mental Health diagnostics in children have soared since the COVID pandemic – led by gender dysphoria and eating disorders, according to a new report.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions analyzed medical claims data submitted between 2019 and 2023 for patients under the age of 18.
Generally, mental health claims increased by 83% among young people during this period.
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In comparison, gender identity-related diagnoses increased by 133% and eating disorders by 108%.
Phobic disorders also increased by 77%, as did claims for developmental disorders.
Mental health diagnoses in children have soared since the pandemic – led by gender dysphoria and eating disorders, according to a new report. (iStock)
“Americans are in the midst of a mental health crisis, one that persisted long before and has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic” the researchers wrote in the report.
“The initial trauma and ongoing ripple effects of the pandemic are still negatively impacting the mental health of Americans, particularly adolescents and young adults.”
Why this increase in gender dysphoria?
Multiple factors have led to a sharp increase in gender dysphoria, according to Abbey Jo Schrage, a licensed psychotherapist who runs her own practice in Idaho and provides virtual mental health services.
“The first is just being aware of gender identity issues,” she told Fox News Digital.
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“Young people have new and constant access to information and language regarding issues such as gender identity through countless apps and websites.”
She added: “Another factor is the growing cultural and social acceptance of expressions regarding gender identity. »
A licensed clinical social worker attributes the increase in cases to three factors: awareness, normalization and increased acceptance. (iStock)
Jonathan Levine, a licensed clinical social worker who works with Equip in Pennsylvania, attributes the increase in cases to three factors: awareness, normalization and increased acceptance.
“As it has become more normal to explore gender as a concept in society, people have become more comfortable exploring their own gender as individuals,” he told Fox News Digital.
“The initial trauma and ongoing ripple effects of the pandemic are still negatively impacting the mental health of Americans, particularly adolescents and young adults.”
“Children and adolescents are naturally curious about themselves, and a big part of childhood is exploring who you are and your values… It’s natural for young adults to be curious about their own identity, and it is safer for young people to explore theirs. this has been the case in the past. »
Parents and communities can support children by listening to them without judgment or argument, according to Schrage.
A supportive family can save the lives of young people suffering from gender dysphoria, an expert told Fox…
