More exam stress at 15 linked to higher risk of depression as young adult – study

The authors of the study from UCL said young people report that academic pressure is ‘one of their biggest sources of stress’. Photograph: David Davies/PA

Exam stress at age 15 can increase the risk of depression and self-harm into early adulthood, research suggests.

Academic pressure is known to have a detrimental impact on mood and overall wellbeing, but until now few studies had examined the long-term effects on mental health.