Age‑targeted mental‑health screening

A synthesis of 192 studies shows most lifetime mental‑health disorders begin by young adulthood, but age‑profiles differ by condition (e.g., social anxiety and eating disorders peak in adolescence; substance use and schizophrenia peak around age 20). Policies should therefore schedule screening, prevention and early‑intervention efforts by condition‑specific age windows rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all adult model. — Shifting screening and prevention timing toward adolescence and early adulthood could improve early detection, reduce chronicity, and reallocate services in schools and health systems where they will be most effective.