Karachi, A recent study by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) has brought to light the significant levels of academic stress experienced by teenage students in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Health experts are advising parents and guardians to be vigilant about their children’s mental health.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the study reveals that approximately 60-65 percent of school-going adolescents in the region are grappling with academic-related stress. Titled “Prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among school-going adolescents in the age group of 13–19 years,” the study highlights a high incidence of psychiatric disorders, predominantly anxiety and depression, among adolescents in Kashmir.

The study, conducted in 16 schools across the Srinagar and Ganderbal districts, identified depression as the most prevalent psychiatric illness among adolescents, particularly males, while anxiety disorders were more common in females.

Dr. Ubaid Rasool, one of the study’s authors, shared that the research aimed to encompass both urban and rural perspectives, selecting Srinagar and Ganderbal for this reason. Notably, academic stress was found to be more predominant in Ganderbal, a rural area, compared to urban regions where children are more likely to engage in outdoor activities.

The findings underscore a concerning trend of high academic pressure affecting students, particularly those in classes 9 to 12. The study reports that nearly all students experienced significant academic stress, prompting a call for a change in the attitude of teachers towards students.

Additionally, the study found that panic disorders and borderline personality disorders were more common in females than males. A striking difference was also noted between urban and rural areas, with 34 percent of urban adolescents and 28 percent of their rural counterparts meeting the criteria for a psychiatric disorder.

Highlighting the vulnerability of children and adolescents to psychiatric disorders, Dr. Yasir Hassan, a Professor at IMHANS, emphasized the urgency of addressing mental health issues during adolescence. Failure to do so could potentially lead to more severe problems, including suicidal tendencies in the future.