General practitioners noted an increase in suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among young people in the second quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2023 – and an increase of 47% compared to 2019. In the self-reported survey in June 2023, the same percentage of young people indicated that they had seriously thought about suicide. Mental health symptoms also stabilised in comparison to the previous research round. This is evidenced by the quarterly update from June 2023. The results of this study are part of the Health Research for COVID-19 research programme.
The Network for Health Research in Disasters (GOR Network) publishes a quarterly update on this page, summarising key results from survey research and data from primary care providers. The aim is to provide information to the municipalities, the provinces and the national government of the Netherlands to assist them in formulating policies.
Summary of research round 8, June 2023
All the survey rounds included young people aged 25 and under (children, adolescents and young adults). Since round 3, adults aged 26 and older were also included in the study. The following is a summary of key results from youth research.
More GP visits related to suicide
General practitioners noted an increase in suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts (with and without fatal outcome) among young people in the second quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2023 – and an increase of 47% compared to 2019. In the self-reported survey questionnaire, the same percentage of young people indicated that they had had suicidal thoughts, compared to 3 months previously.
Mental health problems are stabilising
In the second quarter of 2023, young people visited the GP less often with feelings of anxiety and depression. Compared to 2019, feelings of depression were still slightly more frequent. There is no longer any difference in frequency of anxiety. In the survey-based study, the same percentage of young people indicated that they had perceived mental health problems, loneliness and stress as in March.
Approach used in the quarterly youth study
The quarterly study consists of data from two sources: the survey-based study on mental and physical health and the primary care data provided by GPs. Between 15 June and 4 July 2023, a total of 4,647 young people (aged 12-25 years) completed a survey on their mental and physical health. The primary care data (from the Nivel Primary Care Database) encompasses GP visits by children and young people (aged 0–24 years) from April 2023 to June 2023. GPs keep track of the health problems and conditions for which children, adolescents and young adults visit their practice.
Upcoming and previous research rounds
Since September 2021, this quarterly study has taken place every 3 months. Results of previous research rounds are also available. The following research round is planned