Negative psychoemotional states in Russians: risk groups and coping methods (a review)

The rapid changes in contemporary life and new stress factors require regular analysis of the population’s mental health.

As depression and anxiety disorders are the most common mental conditions, and anxiety and depression are common reactions to stress, this paper focuses on studies of the prevalence of their symptoms among Russians.

This work aimed to analyze statistics on the incidence of mental disorders in the adult Russian population, summarize research data on the prevalence of psychoemotional stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety, and data from surveys of individuals on how they cope with stress, including seeking professional advice.

We analyzed publicly available documents, including publications from the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) database (n = 47), issues and reviews of the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) (n = 6), Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) (n = 5), and Levada Center** (n = 1). Selection criteria included relevance to subject areas; search period was 2010–2025.

In 2021–2023, the following indicators per 100,000 population increased in Russia: 1) the number of mental disorders recorded in newly diagnosed patients; 2) the number of patients newly diagnosed with alcoholism and alcoholic psychosis and put under observation. The degradation was preceded by a period of negative experiences in Russians.

According to various studies, a significant portion of individuals exhibit signs of depression and anxiety, and high levels of psychoemotional stress. Such conditions are more common in women and persons with low income. In some studies, signs of psychoemotional distress are more often recorded in young people, whereas other report that they are more common in older age groups. There is evidence of the influence of employment and marital status on the level of psychoemotional stress. The studies differ in their instruments, sample population (including age limits), and approaches to data analysis and interpretation.

To identify risk groups, make forecasts, and assess the mental health status of the population, it should be monitored. It is required to study the changes in stress coping methods, including destructive (alcohol consumption and smoking).

The number of people seeking professional psychological and psychotherapeutic advice has increased over the past 15–20 years. In 2024, surveys showed that 10%–15% of Russians had such an experience. Today, education of the population on the ways to improve the ability to cope with stress and psychotherapeutic and psychological support is essential. We should focus parents’ attention on the prevention of anxiety in children and make stress relief techniques part of the curriculum.