Depression Distress Research Articles

Prioritizing Happiness has Important Implications for Mental Health, but Perhaps Only if you Already are Happy

Happiness is frequently posited as an important outcome of quality of life and characteristic of well-adjusted and functioning individuals. Happy individuals are less likely to report adverse mental health. Understanding the importance that individuals place on happiness is less clearly articulated and inconsistent. Valuing or placing higher importance of happiness appear to confer both benefits and risk for mental health outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the importance of happiness and mental health outcomes and whether the relationship between happiness and mental health is moderated by the importance individuals place on happiness. We utilised data from two studies, a university student sample (n = 413) and a community sample (n = 248) to examine the study aims. Mental health was operationalised in terms of psychological distress and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Happiness and the level of importance individuals ascribed to happiness were associated with adverse mental health outcomes. In multi-variate analyses, level of happiness was more strongly related to mental health. Interactions between happiness and the importance of happiness revealed that the effect of happiness was moderated by the importance that individuals placed on happiness. Overall happiness and to a lesser extent, the importance of happiness, are significantly associated with mental health outcomes. Happiness was most strongly related to mental health amongst those who rated the importance of happiness more highly.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEPRESSION & DIABETIC DISTRESS IN ELDERLY TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS: A STUDY CONDUCTED AT COMMUNITY LEVEL

Background: Depression is common psychiatric illness found in chronic diseases. Diabetes is chronic multi system involvement diseases with associated diabetic distress and depressive symptoms. Patient with diabetes and Depressive disorder has worse health outcome and higher morbidity as well as mortality. Diabetic patients experience some emotional feelings like guilt, denial, stress due to being diabetic and burden of self-care and management in diabetic patients. Depression affecting the treatment modality in diabetics and which led to aggravation of diabetic symptom and so the depression. Objective: To estimate relationship between depression and diabetic distress in elderly type 2 diabetic patients in Angarpathra hospital, Dhanbad district, Jharkhand, India. Material and Method: Study is conducted in 150 diabetic patients in rural areas. Demographic, clinical and diabetes related information collected by structured questionnaire. Depression is assessed using PHQ-9(patient health questionnaire).This is standardized questionnaire developed in United States and validated in Indian population. Results: Depression prevalence in diabetics patients in community is found to be 66 % (mild in 29.3, moderate in 18%, moderately severe 11.3%, severe in 7.3%).

Relationship of nicotine dependence with depression, anxiety and psychological distress

Relationship of nicotine dependence with depression, anxiety and psychological distress

Previous disorders and depression outcomes in individuals with 12-month major depressive disorder in the World Mental Health surveys.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterised by a recurrent course and high comorbidity rates. A lifespan perspective may therefore provide important information regarding health outcomes. The aim of the present study is to examine mental disorders that preceded 12-month MDD diagnosis and the impact of these disorders on depression outcomes. Data came from 29 cross-sectional community epidemiological surveys of adults in 27 countries (n = 80 190). The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to assess 12-month MDD and lifetime DSM-IV disorders with onset prior to the respondent's age at interview. Disorders were grouped into depressive distress disorders, non-depressive distress disorders, fear disorders and externalising disorders. Depression outcomes included 12-month suicidality, days out of role and impairment in role functioning. Among respondents with 12-month MDD, 94.9% (s.e. = 0.4) had at least one prior disorder (including previous MDD), and 64.6% (s.e. = 0.9) had at least one prior, non-MDD disorder. Previous non-depressive distress, fear and externalising disorders, but not depressive distress disorders, predicted higher impairment (OR = 1.4-1.6) and suicidality (OR = 1.5-2.5), after adjustment for sociodemographic variables. Further adjustment for MDD characteristics weakened, but did not eliminate, these associations. Associations were largely driven by current comorbidities, but both remitted and current externalising disorders predicted suicidality among respondents with 12-month MDD. These results illustrate the importance of careful psychiatric history taking regarding current anxiety disorders and lifetime externalising disorders in individuals with MDD.

Examination of Treatment Progress Among College Students in a University Counseling Program

This study evaluated an academic counseling program called the University Turn Around Program (U-Turn) for college students experiencing mental health concerns and low academic achievement. Forty-three (27 men, 16 women) college students ranged in age from 18–25 years old (M = 19.65, SD = 1.46), with 29 freshman, eight sophomores, and six juniors. Thirty-four students identified as Hispanic (79%), two students identified as African American (5%), and seven students identified as White/Caucasian or other (16%). Depression, generalized anxiety, and academic distress were measured on the CCAPS-34, and anxiety, concentration, motivation, self-testing, and time management were measured on the LASSI-3. Paired samples t tests revealed statistically significant improvements for each measure that were characterized by medium to large effects (d = 0.55 to 1.18) but were not clinically significant. These results support the need for additional inquiries into the use of the U-Turn program’s inclusion in university counseling centers.

Interbank connections, contagion and bank distress in the Great Depression✰

Liquidity shocks transmitted through interbank connections contributed to bank distress during the Great Depression. New data on interbank connections reveal that banks were vulnerable to closures of their correspondents and their respondents. Further, banks were less responsive to network liquidity risk in their management of cash and capital buffers after the Federal Reserve was established, suggesting that banks expected the Fed to reduce that risk. The Fed's presence weakened incentives for the most systemically important banks to maintain capital and cash buffers against liquidity risk, and thereby likely contributed to the banking system's vulnerability to contagion during the Depression.

Assessment of Current Mental Health Status in a Population-Based Sample of Canadian Men With and Without a History of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: An Analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA).

Background: Small-scale studies indicate an increase in mental health disorders among prostate cancer survivors compared to the general population, but large population-based data assessing this relationship are scarce. The present study examined the prevalence of lifetime history of prostate cancer in a cross-sectional sample of Canadian men and assessed the contribution of lifetime history of a prostate cancer diagnosis, multimorbidity, and current alcohol and smoking status to the association with current mental health outcomes in this population.Methods: The analytical sample included 25,183 men (aged 45 to 85 years old), who completed a survey as part of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D10), Kessler's Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and self-reported mental health were mental health outcomes. Multiple logistic regression analyses, and controlling for the complexity of the design and covariates, evaluated the association between prostate cancer survivorship, multimorbidity, alcohol and smoking status, and current mental health outcomes.Results: The prevalence of lifetime history of prostate cancer diagnosis in this population-based sample of men was 4% (95% CI: 3.7, 4.4). Our results indicate statistically significantly higher odds of current psychological distress (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.11) and screening positive for depression (aOR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.51) among survivors of prostate cancer, compared to men without a history of prostate cancer diagnosis in demographics controlled analyses. After addition of multimorbidity and substance use, the odds of screening positive for depression among survivors of prostate cancer are 1.32 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.64) higher compared to men who never had a history of prostate cancer diagnosis.Interpretation: Patient education and empowerment programs aimed at addressing concerns during the diagnosis and treatment and enhancing survivorship care plans by adding routine screening for mental distress to help survivors overcome poor mental health during the cancer survivorship journey, are warranted.

Development of the Labor Pain Relief Attitude Questionnaire for pregnant women (LPRAQ-p)

BackgroundReceiving epidural analgesia during labor can possibly have negative consequences for mother and child. Yet, the use of epidural analgesia rapidly increased in the Netherlands over the last decade. Since antenatal plans for labor pain relief have been related to epidural analgesia use during labor, the aim of the current study was to develop a Labor Pain Relief Attitude Questionnaire for pregnant women (LPRAQ-p).MethodsThree focus group interviews were conducted with pregnant women, new mothers and caregivers and 13 candidate items were derived. Psychometric properties were tested with explorative factor analysis in sample I (N = 429) and a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis in a different sample II (N = 432).ResultsThe explorative factor analysis suggested a two-factor seven-item solution: a ‘women’s perception’ and ‘social environment’ subscale. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed an excellent six-item model fit with appropriate internal consistency. Higher scores on the six-item LPRAQ-p indicate greater willingness for request of pain relief medication during labor. Two-tailed t-tests showed that women with elevated levels of depression and pregnancy-specific distress symptoms, nulliparous women and multiparous women with complications during a previous delivery had greater willingness for request of pain relief medication during labor. Linear regression showed that the most important association with higher scores on the LPRAQ-p were high pregnancy-specific distress symptoms.ConclusionsThis study showed the LPRAQ-p to be a valid instrument to evaluate attitude towards labor pain relief in pregnant women. High scores on this questionnaire are associated with high levels of pregnancy-specific distress symptoms.

Mental health and access to care among refugee mothers relocated to San Diego: a comparative study of Iraqi and Somali refugee communities

BackgroundMental illness is common amongst refugees and can differ depending on cultural background, experiences, and access to care. Given significant risk factors including high rates of exposure to sexual violence and different barriers to seeking adequate health care, refugee mothers are uniquely at risk.MethodsIn 2012–2013, surveys were administered to a convenience sample of Somali and systematic random sample of Iraqi refugee mothers to identify differences in mental health between the populations. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25) identified respondents with major depression and emotional distress. We used multivariable logistic regression to compare these populations and identify variables associated with mental illness.Results198 Somali and 219 Iraqi women were included. Most Iraqis (60.27%) had not seen a mental health provider while most Somalis (62.63%) had. On average, Iraqis scored 0.34 points higher (worse) on the HSCL-25 compared to Somalis (95% CI, 0.22–0.46; P < 0.001). Iraqis were more likely to have major depression (OR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.50–4.57, P = 0.001). On multivariable analysis accounting for the country of origin, those who saw a mental health provider were less likely to have major depression or emotional distress (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22–0.82, P = 0.011; OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22–0.85, P = 0.015, respectively).DiscussionIraqi refugee mothers were more likely to have depression compared to Somalis. Refugee mothers who saw a mental health provider were less likely to have depression or emotional distress. These results suggest the cultural background and access to health services among refugee mothers’ impact on mental health.

Correlates of self-rated health in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a longitudinal study.

Self-rated health, a measure of self-reported general health, is a robust predictor of morbidity and mortality in various populations, including persons with diabetes. This study examines correlates of self-rated health in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Participants recruited from the UK and USA (n=295; mean (±sd) age: 61.5±10.7years; 69% male; 71% type 2 diabetes) rated their health at baseline and 18 months. DPN severity was assessed using the neuropathy disability score and the vibration perception threshold. Validated self-report measures assessed neuroticism, DPN-symptoms of pain, unsteadiness and reduced sensation in feet, DPN-related limitations in daily activities, DPN-specific emotional distress and symptoms of depression. In the fully adjusted baseline model, younger age, presence of cardiovascular disease and higher depression symptom scores showed likely clinically meaningful independent associations with worse health ratings. Being at the UK study site and presence of nephropathy indicated potentially meaningful independent associations with lower baseline health ratings. These predictors were largely consistent in their association with health ratings at 18 months. Results identify independent correlates of health ratings among adults with DPN. Future research should investigate the clinical implications of associations and examine changes in these variables over time and potential effects on changes in health perceptions. If these associations reflect causal pathways, our results may guide interventions to target issues that are likely to have an impact on subjectively experienced health as an important patient-reported outcome in DPN care.

Why do patients go off track? Examining potential influencing factors for being at risk of psychotherapy treatment failure

BackgroundRoutine outcome monitoring can support clinicians to detect patients who deteriorate [not-on-track (NOT)] early in psychotherapy. Implemented Clinical Support Tools can direct clinicians’ attention towards potential obstacles to a positive treatment outcome and provide suggestions for suitable interventions. However, few studies have compared NOT patients to patients showing expected progress [on-track (OT)] regarding such obstacles. This study aimed to identify domains that have predictive value for NOT trajectories and to compare OT and NOT patients regarding these domains and the items of the underlying scales.MethodsDuring treatment, 413 outpatients filled in the Hopkins-Symptom-Checklist-11 (depressive and anxious symptom distress) before every therapy session as a routine outcome measure. Further, the Assessment for Signal Clients, Affective Style Questionnaire, and Outcome Questionnaire-30 were applied every fifth session. These questionnaires measure the following domains, which were investigated as potential obstacles to treatment success: risk/suicidality, therapeutic alliance, motivation, social support and life events, as well as emotion regulation. Two groups (OT and NOT patients) were formed by defining a cut-off (failure boundary) as the 90% confidence interval (upper bound) of the respective patients’ expected recovery curves. In order to differentiate group membership based on the respective problem areas, multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed. Further, OT and NOT patients were compared with regard to the domains’ and items’ cut-offs by performing Pearson chi-square tests and independent samples t-tests.ResultsThe life events and motivation scale as well as the risk/suicidality scale proved to be significant predictors of being not-on-track. NOT patients also crossed the cut-off significantly more often on the domains risk/suicidality, social support, and life events. For both OT and NOT patients, the emotion regulation domain’s cut-off was most commonly exceeded.ConclusionLife events, motivation, and risk/suicidality seem to be directly linked to treatment failure and should be further investigated for the use in clinical support tools.

Clinical staging for youth at-risk for serious mental illness: A longitudinal perspective.

The objective of this study was to identify a sample of youth in distinct stages of risk for the development of a serious mental illness (SMI) according to a published clinical staging model and to follow this sample longitudinally to determine clinical changes over time. This article reports the 6- and 12-month follow-up of the cohort. This study recruited 243 youth, ages 12 to 25. The sample included (a) 42 healthy controls, (b) 41 nonhelpseeking individuals with no mental illness but some risk of SMI, for example, having a first-degree relative with an SMI (stage 0), (c) 53 youth experiencing distress and mild symptoms of anxiety or depression (stage 1a), and (d) 107 youth with attenuated symptoms of SMIs such as bipolar disorder or psychosis (stage 1b). Participants completed a range of measures assessing depression, anxiety, mania, suicide ideation, attenuated psychotic symptoms, negative symptoms, anhedonia and beliefs about oneself at baseline, 6- and 12-months. There were few changes for healthy controls and stage 0 participants, although approximately 7% did move to a symptomatic stage within 12-months. Of stage 1a participants, 50% remained symptomatic, with 7.5% moving to stage 1b or developing a SMI. Approximately 9% of stage 1byouth developed a SMI within 12-months and approximately one-third had remission of symptoms during the follow-up. Results suggest that the implementation of a transdiagnostic staging model may be useful in youth mental health and support consideration of clinical stage-based treatment for youth with early features of risk.

Positive cognitive appraisal “buffers” the long-term effect of peritraumatic distress on maternal anxiety: The Queensland Flood Study

BackgroundLimited research has evaluated distinct aspects of disaster experience as predictors of affective symptoms. In this study, we examined the extent to which maternal depression and anxiety over time were predicted by (1) objective hardship from a flood during pregnancy, (2) peritraumatic distress and (3) cognitive appraisal of the flood's consequences. MethodsData were drawn from the 2011 Queensland Flood Study, a prospective, longitudinal study of pregnancy (n = 183). Mothers’ disaster experience was measured within 1 year after the flood. Their levels of depression, anxiety and stress were measured at 16 months, 30 months, 4 years and 6 years after childbirth. Linear mixed models were employed to evaluate symptom trajectories. ResultsThere were no time-dependent effects of disaster-related variables. Objective hardship did not predict outcomes. Peritraumatic distress significantly predicted depression and anxiety symptoms when cognitive appraisal was negative. Conversely, when cognitive appraisal was neutral or positive, the effect of peritraumatic distress was “buffered”. For anxiety, but not depression, this interaction survived Bonferroni correction. Neutral/positive cognitive appraisal similarly moderated the effect of peritraumatic dissociation. LimitationsThe generalizability of our findings is limited by overall low levels of depression and anxiety, along with a predominantly Caucasian, higher socioeconomic status sample. Potential confounders such as pre-disaster anxiety were not controlled for. ConclusionIn line with previous evidence, this study supports the predictive validity of peritraumatic distress for post-disaster depression and anxiety. Our findings suggest that cognitive appraisal could be a relevant target for interventions aimed at fostering maternal resilience.

1575P Psychological burden in mothers of children with cancer

Mothers have an important role in the management of children with cancer as they take the foremost duty of care giving. Therefore, they may be affected by severe psychological distress and symptoms of anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress are commonly reported in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in mothers of children with cancer. Mothers of children being treated for a childhood cancer (n=24) completed questionnaire investigating depression and PTSS. Depression was evaluated using the 13 items Beck's depressive inventory (BDI). The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessed the presence and severity of PTSS. The mean age of participants was 38.33 years old. The mean age of the children was 9 years and 3 months [2 years and 8 months – 17 years]. The mean number of months since the diagnosis was 7.6 months [2-13]. The average duration of treatment was 7.9 months [2-13]. The mean score of depression was 18.33 [2-39] and was within the range of moderate level. All but one mother had a score indicating presence of depression and 57.1% had severe depression. PTSS were common among mothers (90.1%). The mean score was 45.27 [5-70] and 77.3% had scores indicating a possible diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder. The psychological burden in mothers of children with cancer seems to be very common. The detection of distress or impairment symptoms in this population is important, and burdened mothers should be given the help they need.

O admirável neosujeito

Esse artigo objetiva analisar as dinâmicas da racionalidade neoliberal e sua produção de neosujeitos, tendo a figura do doping como fio condutor e problematizado a partir de duas perspectivas: a própria estrutura de competição generalizada, que dopa as subjetividades em torno de um desejo de felicidade e autorrealização, bem como a cultura medicamentosa em si, que intensifica o uso de fármacos, tanto para o melhoramento de performances quanto para o alívio dos sentimentos de depressão e angústia existencial. Através de um paralelo com a literatura, articula-se o ambiente descrito pela narrativa distópica de Aldous Huxley, presente na Obra “Admirável mundo novo”, com a nova fábrica de subjetividades do mundo contemporâneo que, ao alinhar-se em grande medida aos ditames da racionalidade neoliberal, produz uma sociedade dopada e carente de narratividades.

Psychological impact of an epidemic/pandemic on the mental health of healthcare professionals: a rapid review

BackgroundEpidemics or pandemics, such as the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, pose unique challenges to healthcare professionals (HCPs). Caring for patients during an epidemic/pandemic may impact negatively on the mental health of HCPs. There is a lack of evidence-based advice on what would be effective in mitigating this impact. Objectives: This rapid review synthesizes the evidence on the psychological impact of pandemics/epidemics on the mental health of HCPs, what factors predict this impact, and the evidence of prevention/intervention strategies to reduce this impact.MethodAccording to rapid review guidelines, systematic searches were carried out in Embase.com, PubMed, APA PsycINFO-Ovid SP, and Web of Science (core collection). Searches were restricted to the years 2003 or later to ensure inclusion of the most recent epidemic/pandemics, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Papers written in French or English, published in peer-reviewed journals, and of quantitative design using validated measures of mental health outcomes were included. Of 1308 papers found, 50 were included. The full protocol for this rapid review was registered with Prospero (reg.no. CRD42020175985).ResultsResults show that exposed HCPs working with patients during an epidemic/pandemic are at heightened risk of mental health problems in the short and longer term, particularly: psychological distress, insomnia, alcohol/drug misuse, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, burnout, anger, and higher perceived stress. These mental health problems are predicted by organizational, social, personal, and psychological factors and may interfere with the quality of patient care. Few evidence-based early interventions exist so far.DiscussionHCPs need to be provided with psychosocial support to protect their mental wellbeing if they are to continue to provide high quality patient care. Several recommendations relevant during and after an epidemic/pandemic, such as COVID-19, and in preparation for a future outbreak, are proposed.

Are psychological distress, substance misuse, and sexual sensation seeking associated with autoerotic asphyxiation-related distress?

Autoerotic asphyxiation (AEA) involves enhancing sexual arousal by deliberately self-inducing a reduction of oxygen to the brain. Most studies of AEA have focused on those who have expressed distress or who have died from the practice. The present study explores correlates of AEA-related distress in a community sample, focusing on self-reported measures of psychological distress, substance misuse, and sexual sensation seeking. Individuals who expressed an interest in AEA ( n = 165) participated in an online anonymous survey. Findings revealed a significant positive association between AEA-related distress and symptoms of depression, and a significant negative association between AEA-related distress and sexual sensation seeking. Both depression and sexual sensation seeking remained associated with AEA-related distress at the multivariate level. The findings are consistent with prior literature on AEA that suggests comorbidity with depression and highlights the importance of psychological screening when people present to clinicians due to AEA, particularly for depression. Contrary to our hypothesis, those with higher sexual sensation seeking reported lower levels of AEA-related distress. Future research on AEA-related distress may benefit from using a sexual sensation seeking measure that better assesses sexual dysregulation.

Psychosocial distress, clinical variables and self-management activities associated with type 2 diabetes: a study in Ghana

AimPsychosocial distress can act as a barrier to diabetes self-care management and thus compromise diabetes control. Yet in Ghana, healthcare centres mainly focus on the medical aspect of diabetes to the neglect of psychosocial care. This study determined the relationship amongst psychosocial distress, clinical variables, and self-management activities associated with type 2 diabetes management.MethodQuestionnaires were administered to 162 patients from four hospitals in Accra, Ghana, to assess psychosocial distress (e.g. diabetes distress), clinical variables (e.g. glycaemic control), and self- management activities (e.g. medication intake) related to diabetes. In assessing diabetes distress, the use of the PAID allowed evaluation of broader range of emotional concerns (diabetes-related emotional distress), while the DDS allowed evaluation of factors more closely related to diabetes self-management (diabetes distress).ResultsDiabetes-related emotional distress, diabetes distress and depressive symptoms were reciprocally positively correlated, while non-supportive family behaviour correlated negatively with these psychological variables. Diabetes-related emotional distress correlated positively with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and correlated negatively with exercise regimen. On the other hand, diabetes distress correlated negatively with dietary and exercise regimen and correlated positively with glycaemic levels, while depressive symptoms correlated positively with glycaemic levels, diabetes complication and systolic blood pressure. Contrary to the literature, non-supportive family behaviour correlated positively with diet, exercise and medication regimen.ConclusionThe positive association of psychological variables with glycaemic levels and blood pressure levels, and the positive association of non-supportive family behaviour with self-management activities suggests the need for psychosocial care to be incorporate in the management of type 2 diabetes in Ghana. Patients can be screened for diabetes-related distress and symptoms of depression and provided psychosocial care where necessary.

Validity of the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21) in a sample of Korean university students

The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) is the short version of a self-report measure that was originally developed to encompass the full range of symptoms of both anxiety and depression while providing maximum differentiation between the two constructs. Although evidence of the instrument’s reliability has been encouraging, no previous research has thoroughly investigated the factor structure and other features of the DASS-21 with a sample of South Korean university students. The present study examined the factor structure, measurement invariance, convergent validity, and internal consistency of the Korean version of the DASS-21 by administering it to 582 students attending a four-year university in South Korea. All participants completed the Korean version of the DASS-21 along with several other measures of psychopathology. Confirmatory factor analyses suggested that the best-fitting model had a bifactor structure, consisting of a general factor of psychological distress plus orthogonal specific factors of depression, anxiety, and stress. Multigroup analysis supported full measurement invariance across gender. The measure’s internal consistency was good, and each DASS-21 scale was moderately correlated with a measure of a similar construct, demonstrating good convergent validity. Overall, the results support the validity and factor structure of the Korean version of the DASS-21 and indicate that it is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms.

Trends in Socioeconomic Inequalities in Norwegian Adolescents' Mental Health From 2014 to 2018: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundAdolescents’ mental health, and its consistent relationship with their socioeconomic background, is a concern that should drive education, health, and employment policies. However, information about this relationship on a national scale is limited. We explore national overall trends and investigate possible socioeconomic disparities in adolescents’ mental health, including psychological distress and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness in Norway during the period 2014–2018.MethodsThe present study builds on data retrieved from five waves of the national cross-sectional Ungdata survey (2014–2018). In total 136,525 upper secondary school students (52% girls) completed the questionnaire during the study period. Trends in socioeconomic inequalities were assessed using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Relative Index of Inequality (RII).ResultsThe prevalence of students with moderate to high symptoms score and mean symptoms scores of psychological distress (in terms of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness) increased among girls and boys during 2014–2018, with girls showing higher rates. Our results suggest distinct, but stable, inequalities between socioeconomic groups, both in absolute and relative terms, among girls and boys during the study period.ConclusionRising rates of adolescents’ psychological distress, particularly among girls, may have long-term consequences for individuals involved and the society as a whole. Future studies should investigate the causes of these results. We did not find evidence of any change in inequalities in adolescents’ mental health between socioeconomic groups, suggesting current strategies are not sufficiently addressing mental health inequalities in the adolescent population and therefore a significant need for research and public health efforts.