Among young people aged 12–25 years, 5% have persistent long-term symptoms after COVID-19. This is evidenced by the latest quarterly update from December 2023. The results of the quarterly 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 11
In March 2024, 1 in 3 young people reported having mental health problems – which is fewer than 3 months and 6 months ago. Also, young people were more likely to find suitable help if they experience mental health problems. These findings are from the latest quarterly survey. The results of this study are part of Health Research for COVID-19.
The survey round in March 2024 covered young people aged 12 to 25 years. Adults were not included in this survey round. The most recent survey round for adults was in December 2023. Key results from youth research are summarised below.
More young people found suitable help for mental health problems
The latest research round shows a clear increase in the number of young people who found suitable help for mental health problems, compared to previous research rounds. In March 2023, 67% of those surveyed reported that they had been successful, compared to 61% in December. Although this is still high, young people reported having better mental health in March 2024 than three months previously. The percentage of young people with mental health problems dropped from 37% to 33%, while loneliness decreased from 47% to 44%. In addition, there was a slight decrease in young people who had suicidal thoughts: from 15% to 13%.
GPs see more young people with dizziness, suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts
At the start of 2024, there were still more children, adolescents and young adults who visited the GP for suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts compared to the same period in 2019. The difference compared to 2019 was 32%, which is more than in the previous quarter (when it was 21% higher than in 2019). In the period from January to March 2024, the number of people in this age group who visited the GP for dizziness was also higher than in 2019. This was also the case in previous years (2022 and 2023), but the difference has grown in 2024.