Contributing Factors to the Rise in Adolescent Anxiety and Associated Mental Health Disorders: A Narrative Review of Current Literature

Background: The prevalence of anxiety among adolescents has seen a notable increase in recent years, becoming a significant public health concern. In fact, anxiety is substantially more prevalent in Generation Z (individuals born between 1997 and 2012) than in any of the past three generations. We aimed to examine what factors contribute to the increased prevalence in teen anxiety and identify points of intervention.

Methods: This study employed a narrative review method. We performed a literature search of the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Medline databases and identified original research and review articles discussing increased anxiety and other mental health disorders in Generation Z.

Results: We provide a comprehensive overview of the factors contributing to the increased rates of adolescent anxiety, including academic pressures, social media influence, family dynamics, and broader societal stressors.

Conclusions: In this narrative review, we examine the multifaceted nature of adolescent anxiety, identifying contributing factors. Additionally, we discuss potential clinical, educational, and community-based interventions to prevent and treat adolescent anxiety. By understanding and addressing the underlying causes of anxiety, it is possible to mitigate its impact and promote healthier developmental trajectories for young individuals.