Young Adults Aged 20-34 to Undergo Mental Health Screening Every Two Years Starting Next Year

Early Psychosis Screening Also Planned for Introduction

Severe mental illnesses such as depressive disorders and bipolar disorder primarily first occur during young adulthood, and starting next year, young people aged 20 to 34 will be able to receive regular mental health screenings.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 17th, the Ministry of Health and Welfare held the 3rd National Health Screening Committee meeting and deliberated and approved the "Expansion Plan for Mental Health Screening within General Health Checkups."

Accordingly, from next year, young people aged 20 to 34 will be able to receive mental health screenings during the biennial general health checkups conducted by the National Health Insurance Service.

At the committee meeting, it was also decided to introduce early psychosis (mental illness) screening in addition to depression screening in health checkups. This is to identify the presence of mental illness in advance through symptoms, similar to how a stroke diagnosis is made after testing for severe headaches. Both the depression screening and early psychosis screening will be conducted through self-report questionnaires that are easy to complete.

Based on the screening results, if a specialist’s confirmation is needed, medical institution referrals will be arranged, and if necessary, professional psychological counseling services (National Mind Investment Support Project), case management by community mental health professionals, and rehabilitation programs (Mental Health Welfare Centers) will be provided.