Unemployment-related lifestyle changes and health disturbances in adolescents and children in the western countries.

According to official statistics 11 million under 25's, thereof 5-6 million under 20's in the 12 OECD member states are unemployed at any given time. In depth studies show that this figure is at least 40-50% higher. In many countries a systematic under-reporting exists in the registration of unemployed. Surveys used to show more relevant figures. Unemployment hits mainly adolescents, school leavers, young adults (unskilled male and female) immigrants and then, indirectly, those who are in need of familial and social support, i.e. the frail, sick, disabled children and old people. In many cities in Europe 40-50% of 18-25 year olds are unemployed and figures as high as 90% have been reported (inner cities). Unemployment is endangering the socio-economic status of people, in spite of short-time unemployment benefits and is creating inequalities in health and serious social misfits. Loss of job or the mere prospect of becoming jobless have, in follow-up studies on an individual level, been found to cause elevated blood pressure and serum cholesterol, increased concentration of blood catecholamine and elimination of noradrenaline, an increase in the frequency of stress and psychosomatic diseases. After regaining employment, these values have normalized. Unemployment is therefore considered by many as a real source of stress. Chronic stress is now considered as a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases, ulcers, asthma and some other diseases. According to several well designed and controlled studies on the individual level in the developed countries, the majority of young people do not learn to cope with unemployment. It fosters isolation, loss of self-esteem, frustration and hopelessness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)