ORCID

Halvorsen, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9184-633X

Language

English (en)

Publication Date

9-2025

Summary

Although older adults are less likely to be diagnosed with mental health challenges than younger adults, Americans over the age of 65 have experienced the greatest growth in new diagnoses — an increase of 57% between 2019 and 2023. By 2023, about 1 in 7 adults age 51 and older had received mental health diagnoses, including major depressive, generalized anxiety, adjustment, bipolar, and mood disorders. However, older adults are less likely to receive treatment than younger people. At the same time, older adults may also misuse substances such as alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and prescription and nonprescription medications. Americans age 75 and older also have higher rates of suicide than any other age group.

Document Type

Brief

Comments

Issue Brief #2025.08

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