Impact of COVID-19 on Antidepressant Use Among Young People

SOURCE www.foxnews.com
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the use of antidepressants among young people, particularly teen girls and young women. This trend has raised concerns about mental health and the need for proper treatment and monitoring.

Key Points

  • Antidepressant use among young people rose significantly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Teen girls and young women saw a much faster increase in antidepressant prescriptions compared to young males
  • There is a need for continued monitoring and research into mental health trends among adolescents and young adults

Pros

  • Increased access to mental health care
  • Destigmatization of mental health treatment
  • Potential reduction in suicide rates

Cons

  • Rapid increase in antidepressant use among young people
  • Concerns about underdiagnosis and undertreatment of mental health issues
  • Higher levels of crisis visits among children and adolescents