Trends in anxiety and depressive symptoms among adults in Norway based on eight population-based surveys from 1995 to 2024

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BACKGROUND: Increasing symptoms of anxiety and depression among adolescents and emerging adults are well documented, while less attention has been given to how these symptoms have evolved among adults of all ages. We aim to describe the development of symptoms of anxiety and depression for women and men in the adult population in Norway over the past three decades. METHODS: For the first time, we synthesize data from all population-based, cross-sectional surveys of symptoms of anxiety and depression among adults in Norway. Data were extracted from the Living Condition Survey (1998-2012, and 2015-2019), HUNT (1995/97-2017/19), the Tromsø Study (2001-2015/16), SAMINOR (2003/04-2012), Quality of Life Survey (2021-2024), the FHUS Agder (2019-2023), FHUS Oslo (2020-2024), and the Student's Health and Wellbeing Study (SHoT, 2010-2022). Changes over time in symptoms were examined though sex and age stratified regression models. RESULTS: Data from 30 separate data collections include 584 173 adults aged 18-89 years between 1995 and 2024. We observe a clear increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression among young adults, especially among young women. Among individuals in midlife, findings are mixed, with most studies indicating stability or only minor fluctuations. In contrast, the symptoms of older adults appears to have remained stable or even improved. CONCLUSIONS: Results show divergent trends in symptoms of anxiety and depression among adults. There has been an increase in symptoms among young adults, while symptoms remain stable or improved in old age. The results highlight the need for targeted preventive efforts among younger adults and for careful continued observation.

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