COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates Rise in Antidepressant Prescription Rates Among Adolescents and Young Women in America, Study Finds
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on various aspects of society, including mental health. A recent study conducted by the University of Michigan has shed light on the impact of the pandemic on antidepressant prescription rates among adolescents and young women in America. The findings reveal a concerning trend that highlights the urgent need for mental health support in these vulnerable populations.
The study analyzed data from a national database that reported 92% of prescriptions dispensed at pharmacies in the United States between 2016 and 2022. Before the pandemic, there was already a rising trend in antidepressant prescription rates among individuals aged 12 to 25. However, the study found that the rate increased 64% faster after March 2020, when the pandemic began.
Of particular concern is the significant rise in prescription rates among young women. The research showed that rates rose 130% faster among girls aged 12 to 17 and 60% faster among young women aged 18 to 25 after March 2020. This suggests that the pandemic exacerbated an existing mental health crisis in this demographic.
Kao Ping Chua, the lead author of the study and a pediatrician at UM Health’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, commented on the findings, stating, “Multiple studies suggest that rates of anxiety and depression among female adolescents increased during the pandemic. These studies, coupled with our findings, suggest the pandemic exacerbated a pre-existing mental health crisis in this group.”
These findings align with a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2021, which revealed that more than a third of high schoolers reported poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, 44% of respondents reported feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the last year.
Interestingly, the study found that while antidepressant prescription rates rose sharply for young women and girls, they did not change significantly among male young adults after the pandemic began. In fact, prescription rates declined among male adolescents. Chua expressed surprise at these statistics and suggested that it may be due to male adolescents skipping physical exams and other healthcare visits during the height of the pandemic. This limited opportunities for diagnosing anxiety and depression and prescribing antidepressants. Furthermore, virtual learning may have made it more challenging for teachers and school staff to identify mental health problems in male adolescents.
Chua also highlighted the impact of long waiting lists for psychotherapy during the pandemic as a contributing factor to the dramatic rise in antidepressant dispensing. Many patients and families faced six- to nine-month wait lists for therapy, making it impractical to withhold antidepressants and rely solely on therapy.
The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for increased mental health support for adolescents and young women in America. The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly exacerbated existing mental health challenges, and it is crucial that healthcare systems prioritize access to therapy and other forms of mental health treatment. By addressing these issues head-on, we can hope to mitigate the long-term impact of the pandemic on the mental well-being of our youth.
In conclusion, the University of Michigan-led study has shed light on the concerning rise in antidepressant prescription rates among adolescents and young women in America during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight the urgent need for increased mental health support and access to therapy for these vulnerable populations. By addressing these issues, we can work towards building a healthier future for our youth.