6th Edition of Neurology World Conference 2026

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by rapid biological, psychological, and social change, during which 10-20% of adolescents worldwide experience mental disorders, most commonly depression and anxiety. Early identification of modifiable risk factors, including lifestyle habits, comorbid illness, and menstrual health, is essential to reduce psychiatric morbidity.

Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in 100 adolescents aged 13-19 years recruited through school-based workshops. Data were collected using a structured Google Form. Psychological status was assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Sociodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle, morbidity, and menstrual variables were recorded. Qualitative responses were analysed thematically. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, Mann-Whitney U comparisons, one-way ANOVA, and multivariable linear regression.

Results: The mean age was 15.3 ± 2.44 years; 80% were female. Moderate-to-extremely-severe symptoms were seen in 45% for depression, 52% for anxiety, and 25% for stress. Depression, anxiety, and stress scores were strongly and positively intercorrelated (r = 0.746-0.798, p < .001). Adolescents reporting a coexisting medical illness had significantly higher depression, anxiety, and stress scores (p = 0.003, 0.038, and 0.003, respectively), while those with irregular menstrual cycles had significantly higher scores across all three domains (p = 0.002, 0.017, and 0.03). On multivariable regression, increasing age (β = 2.49, p = 0.004) and coexisting illness (β = 6.11, p = 0.026) independently predicted higher depression scores, while regular menstrual cycles were independently protective for depression (β = -7.08, p = 0.011) and anxiety (β = -6.04, p = 0.022). Shorter night-time sleep and irregular daily routines were also associated with higher depression scores. Qualitative themes included academic pressure, psychosocial and digital stress, and menstrual-related distress.

Conclusion: Adolescent mental well-being is shaped by interconnected biological, behavioural, and social determinants, with coexisting illness and menstrual irregularity emerging as independent correlates of psychological distress. Integrating lifestyle, morbidity, and menstrual health screening into adolescent mental health programmes is recommended.Keywords: Adolescents; Depression; Anxiety; Stress; DASS-21; Menstrual health; Mixed methods