Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression, and Life Satisfaction Among Indian Youth: A Cross-Sectional Psychological Assessment

Abstract

Mental health disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, represent a growing public health crisis among youth in India, yet remain critically understudied at the community level. This cross-sectional study assesses the prevalence of anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction among a cohort of Indian youth (N=30) using standardized screening instruments: the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Preliminary results indicate a significant burden of psychological distress within the sample. Analysis revealed that approximately 40% of participants reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 ≥ 10), while 30% reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was observed between mental health scores and life satisfaction (p < .05), suggesting that worsening anxiety and depression are strongly associated with diminished subjective well-being. These findings align with the growing body of literature indicating a high prevalence of mental morbidity among Indian youth (Gururaj et al., 2016; Singh et al., 2019). The results underscore the urgent need for accessible, community-based mental health screening and early intervention programs tailored to this demographic. This study highlights the critical importance of integrating mental health assessments into primary care and educational settings to mitigate the long-term impact of untreated psychological distress and to promote holistic well-being among India's young population.