The concerning impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health is highlighted in a recent study revealing a significant surge in antidepressant prescriptions among young people. Published in the journal Pediatrics, the study discloses that the dispensing rate of antidepressants to individuals aged 12 to 25 increased nearly 64% faster than usual since the onset of the pandemic 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, expressed particular concern about the gender disparities observed. Female adolescents (12-17) experienced a staggering 130% increase in the dispensing rate after March 2020, while the rate for female young adults (18-25) spiked by 60%. In contrast, male adolescents saw no change, and male young adults witnessed a surprising decline in antidepressant dispensing.
The study, utilizing the IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription Database, revealed a continuous increase of 66.3% in the monthly dispensing rate from 2016 to 2022. During the pandemic, the stressors on youth, including virtual learning, social isolation, and pandemic-related stress, contributed to a growing need for mental health support.
Dr. Neha Chaudhary, a child and adolescent psychiatrist not involved in the study, emphasized the correlation between worsening mental health and increased antidepressant prescriptions. The rise in telehealth facilitated easier access to antidepressant prescriptions, although it also led to longer wait times for virtual therapy, prompting providers to opt for medication as a temporary solution.
While experts acknowledge the effectiveness of antidepressants, they emphasize open discussions about the pros and cons, especially considering potential side effects. Parents are encouraged to engage in frank conversations about mental health concerns and seek guidance from pediatric psychiatrists to determine the most suitable treatment plans for their children.
As youth mental health continues to be a growing concern, the study underscores the need for proactive measures and compassionate support to address the long-term impact of the pandemic on the well-being of young individuals.
