The Impact of the Pandemic on Mental Health: Rise in Prescription Medication Use
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health, pushing many individuals into isolation and dismantling support systems. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the use of prescription medication to manage mental health conditions. A recent analysis of Medicaid data for the 60 most used psychiatric drugs revealed a growing number of people seeking mental health treatment and medication during the pandemic.
The analysis also highlighted a concerning trend: mental health-related prescriptions rose by 12% in 2022 compared to 2019, outpacing the less than 1% growth in overall prescriptions. This increase was particularly evident in prescriptions for generic Zoloft, the most common antidepressant medication, which saw a 17% rise over the same period. In fact, more than half of these drugs experienced an increase in prescriptions since 2019, with ADHD drugs like Concerta and generic Adderall showing the steepest increase.
Even before the pandemic, the use of mental health drugs was on the rise due to more affordable medication options and a broader acceptance of mental health treatment. However, the pandemic accelerated this increase as it deepened the country’s mental health crisis following widespread loss and adversity. The upending of normal structures due to COVID-19, along with heightened awareness of mental health and the expansion of conditions being diagnosed, are likely contributing factors to the rise in mental health prescription drugs.
According to the Census Bureau’s January 2024 survey, the percentage of people experiencing anxiety or depression remains double that of pre-pandemic levels. Across all age groups, over a fifth of adults reported feeling anxious or depressed, with even higher rates among transgender and bisexual individuals. The impact of this crisis is further reflected in the record levels of lives lost to suicide and drug overdoses.
Recognizing the urgency to address this public health crisis, policymakers and government officials have recommended actions to fortify mental health programs and reinforce social support systems. These include creating mobile crisis teams, establishing a national suicide prevention hotline, and implementing paid family leave laws. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory emphasizing the need to address loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection.
Despite the growing demand for mental health medication, financial barriers such as limited insurance coverage and high costs for uninsured patients make it difficult for some individuals to access these medications. While the introduction of lower-cost generics has contributed to the growth in mental health drug use over the past two decades, brand-name prices have steadily risen. This phenomenon, known as the “generic paradox,” occurs when brand manufacturers raise prices after lower-cost generic equivalents become available.
Another challenge in addressing the mental health crisis is the lack of funding and a shallow labor pool. The pandemic has exacerbated burnout among behavioral health workers, leading to high turnover rates and nationwide staffing shortages. This jeopardizes the quality of care, particularly for underserved communities. Rural and remote areas are especially hard-hit, with many tribal lands lacking access to mental health care altogether.
Overcoming stigma is another crucial aspect of addressing the impact of the pandemic on mental health. Many individuals, especially people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, and people with disabilities, are reluctant to seek help due to societal stigma and personal beliefs that mental health conditions are a personal failing. This hesitancy to seek treatment is reflected in a national drug use survey that showed a majority of adults with serious mental illness who didn’t receive treatment believed they should have been able to handle their mental health on their own.
However, there are individuals who have found ways to navigate these challenges and prioritize their mental health. Tamalyn Paredes, an addiction counselor in Oregon, decided to prioritize her mental health after experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts for years. She was diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed medications that have been life-changing for her. Similarly, Tanisha Malcom, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, co-founded a support group for Black individuals living with mental health conditions to create a sense of community and empowerment.
The impact of the pandemic on mental health cannot be understated. It has highlighted the need for increased access to mental health treatment and medication, as well as the importance of addressing societal stigma. As the country continues to grapple with the mental health crisis, it is crucial for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to work together to ensure that individuals receive the support they need. Only by prioritizing mental health can we begin to heal and rebuild in the aftermath of the pandemic.
