Study Finds Spike in Antidepressant Prescriptions for Young People During and After the Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of young people, and a recent study has found that the rate of prescribing antidepressants to this group has significantly increased during and after the pandemic. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, revealed that the dispensing rate of antidepressants for young people between the ages of 12 and 25 rose nearly 64% faster than normal since the outbreak of Covid-19 in the United States in March 2020.
Dr. Kao-Ping Chua, the study’s first author and a primary care pediatrician at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, highlighted the gender differences in the findings. In female adolescents aged 12 to 17, the dispensing rate increased by 130% faster after March 2020. For female young adults aged 18 to 25, the rate spiked by 60%. However, there was essentially no change in antidepressant dispensing rate after March 2020 in male young adults, and a surprising decline in male adolescents.
The study is the first of its kind to focus specifically on adolescents and young adults and analyze data beyond 2020. Dr. Chua conducted the research to shed light on the country’s youth mental health crisis, as he noticed a significant increase in prescribing antidepressants during the pandemic. Many pediatricians have expressed feeling like mental health clinicians due to the surge in mental health issues among young people.
The study also found that emergency room visits for poor mental health in youth rose during the second year of the pandemic, particularly among female adolescents. Dr. Neha Chaudhary, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, stated that these results were unsurprising given her firsthand experience of the pandemic’s impact on youth mental health.
While the authors couldn’t fully explain the findings, they suggested that the increase in antidepressant prescriptions aligns with the worsening mental health among young people. Antidepressants are often part of the treatment course for moderate-to-severe cases of mental health conditions like depression. Additionally, growing awareness of mental health and reduced stigma have led more young people to seek help.
The pandemic also played a role in the increased rate of dispensing antidepressants. The rise of telehealth made it easier for patients to get and stay on an antidepressant prescription, as they no longer needed to visit their providers in person. However, this convenience came with drawbacks. In normal times, providers would often recommend therapy without medication for patients with mild or moderate depression. But during the pandemic, the high demand for virtual therapy resulted in long wait times, making therapy-only recommendations less feasible. As a result, providers tended to prescribe antidepressants as a bridge until therapy could begin.
The study’s findings regarding male adolescents and young adults are concerning, as they may indicate a disconnection from the mental health system. It is crucial not to stigmatize the need for or use of antidepressants, as they can be extremely effective and even lifesaving in some cases. However, there are understandable concerns about their use, including potential side effects and the FDA’s black box warning about increased suicidal thoughts after starting antidepressants.
Parents should have open discussions about the pros and cons of antidepressants when their children have mental health concerns. Drastic changes in behavior or mood may signal a need for antidepressants, but it is essential to consult with a pediatric psychiatrist to determine the best treatment plan.
In conclusion, the spike in antidepressant prescriptions for young people during and after the pandemic highlights the significant impact of Covid-19 on their mental health. It is crucial to address this issue and provide support to young people who are struggling. Checking in on their well-being and offering care can make a significant difference in their lives.
