Adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15-25 are the most vulnerable to mental health challenges. Advances in technology have put adolescents at risk of various mental and personality disorders as most such disorders have an onset at a young age. Psychiatrists at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad say that childhood and adolescence are the ages when personality begins to develop and gradually solidify before deepening in the early 20s. Therefore, People aged 15-25 are at higher risk of developing personality disorders. The development of information technology, especially the increasing use of social media and digital interaction, has negatively impacted health, especially mental health. It has reduced physical activity and exercise in daily routines, disrupted regular sleep patterns in both timing and duration, encouraged instant texting without time for reflection, and reduced interactions. direct, direct interaction. Rakesh K Chadda, HoD, Psychiatry, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said, “Emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), also known as borderline personality disorder, has increased significantly. among young people over the past one to two decades, with rates more than double in women.” compared to men. If left untreated, it can seriously affect social and occupational functioning, leading to co-occurring mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and increased risk of stroke. suicide mechanism. Substance abuse has increased significantly among people aged 15-25, especially alcohol and illegal drugs. Depression is more common in women in this age group, while substance abuse is more common in men. Additionally, self-harm and anxiety disorders are more common in girls, suggesting a gender gap in mental health problems.” A recent study, published in the April issue of the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, found the prevalence of borderline personality disorder to be 22%. (BPD) among college students. By comparison, a 2019 study estimated a prevalence of 15%, and a 2016 meta-analysis of 43 global studies put the figure at 9%. These data show a notable increase in the incidence of BPD in India. Additionally, clinical settings have reported increasing numbers of BPD cases over the past decade, in sharp contrast to numbers observed 20-30 years ago.
Dr Neatu Narang, Senior Consultant, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said, “Awareness about the harmful effects of excessive use of digital technology is very important for the youth. Using digital technology should not come at the expense of social interactions and exercise. Excessive use of digital technology at the cost of adapting to unhealthy behaviors such as reduced outdoor activities, social interaction, irregular sleeping patterns, frequent skipping of meals, etc., is the area that mental health professionals must be sensitive to youth. Emphasizing lifestyle interventions is essential to combat these trends. Encouraging healthy lifestyles and appropriate use of technology should start in childhood.” “Digital technology brings many benefits, but excessive and improper use can seriously affect health, mental health and personal life. Cybercrime risks such as bullying, financial fraud and exposure to inappropriate content are becoming an increasing concern, especially for teenagers. The growing use of digital platforms for gambling also highlights the need for stricter regulations and law enforcement to protect vulnerable individuals. The increase in screen time, digital addiction and cyberbullying further exacerbate mental health problems, contributing to depressed mood, social withdrawal, a tendency to self-harm and substance use, thereby increasing the overall burden of disease. Dr. Meenakshi Jain, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said, “Parents must set an example, while teachers should guide students to balance technology use with healthy behavior strong”. This is an area where mental health professionals must be sensitive to youth, parents, teachers, and policymakers. Establishing a healthy lifestyle with appropriate use of digital technology needs to start in childhood to prevent future personality disorders or other mental health challenges.
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