Introduction and Overview of Disorders (including Risk factors, prevention measures and evidence-based interventions) [abridged Version]
- 1 Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
This is the abridged version, for the extended version click here
Disclaimer:We have compiled this information to the best of our knowledge based on current scientific literature (as of May 2026). However, we do not provide diagnosis or treatment recommendations. If you notice any mental health concerns in yourself or in a child or adolescent in your care, please consult a medical doctor.
Introduction
This Knowledge Management Ecosystem Portal (KM-EP) provides an evidence-based overview of the most common mental and neurodevelopmental disorders in adolescence and young adulthood, including ADHD, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders, depression, eating disorders, gaming disorder, and substance use disorders. It also summarizes key risk factors, diagnostic criteria, prevention strategies, treatment approaches, and the potential of serious gaming for promoting mental health.
Adolescents at risk
Adolescence is the transition from childhood to adulthood and is marked by physical change, identity development, peer orientation, and separation from parental values. During this period, young people are particularly vulnerable to psychological distress.
According to the WHO, one in seven people aged 10–19 is affected by mental illness. Mental disorders often begin in adolescence and may shape later adulthood negatively. The burden of mental disorders rises steadily during childhood and adolescence (WHO, n.d.; Solmi et al., 2022; GBD, 2019).
The most impactful risk factors for adolescent mental health include problematic use and passive consumption of social media, sleep disturbances, adverse childhood experiences, and family conflicts, low parental socioeconomic status. Prosocial behaviour and parental monitoring are protective (Agyapong-Opoku, 2025; Grüning Parache et al., 2023; Hill et al., 2025).
The most common mental and neurodevelopmental disorders in adolescence
ADHD
Anxiety disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Depressive disorders
Eating disorders
Internet Gaming disorder
Substance use disorder
Further information
Serious gaming in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders
References for this article are here
16 June 2026
- author = {Mayer, Gwendolyn and Perlea, Victor},
- title = {Introduction and Overview of Disorders (including Risk factors, prevention measures and evidence-based interventions) [abridged Version]},
- year = {2026},
- date = {June 16, 2026},
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