Increase in Anxiety Medication Use Amid Rising Mental Health Concerns
After enduring a tough year filled with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation for breast cancer, Sadia Zapp found herself dealing with heightened anxiety. It was no longer just the usual worries – it felt deeper and more overwhelming.
“Every little ache, like my knee hurting, made me think, ‘Is this it for me?'” she reflected.
This 40-year-old communications director from New York is part of a growing number of Americans turning to anxiety medication in recent years. For her, the choice was Lexapro, a drug known for boosting serotonin levels.
“I love it. It’s been a game changer,” she shared. “It’s really helped me manage.”
The percentage of U.S. adults using anxiety medications increased from 11.7% in 2019 to 14.3% in 2024, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This translates to about 38 million people, marking an increase of around 8 million, particularly among young adults and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Despite the growing acceptance of psychiatric medications and their accessibility through telehealth, the rise of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft has faced criticism from certain groups. Supporters of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement argue that these medications are detrimental. Yet doctors maintain that medications such as Lexapro are essential for treating many anxiety disorders.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. lamented the increasing use of SSRIs, claiming that some individuals find them harder to quit than opioids. He also mentioned his agency is exploring a potential link between SSRIs and violent behavior.
While there are side effects associated with SSRIs, like stomach issues and fatigue, many find them manageable. Patrick Kelly, president of the Southern California Psychiatric Society, pointed out that misrepresentations about SSRIs lack evidence. In fact, a recent study revealed that a majority of individuals with generalized anxiety disorder found significant relief from their symptoms with SSRI treatment.
Make America Healthy Again Movement Critiques Anxiety Treatment
Proponents of the MAHA movement attribute rising anxiety and depression rates to poor diets and sedentary lifestyles. They suggest remedies like reducing processed food consumption and increasing physical activity. Many psychiatrists endorse diet and exercise as complementary therapies for mental health issues, and there has been a noticeable rise in the use of mental health counseling since 2019, partly due to teletherapy.
While some manage their anxiety without medication, others find relief through prescribed treatments. Studies indicate that the risks of taking SSRIs during pregnancy are low. In contrast, untreated depression poses more risks for both mothers and their babies. Interestingly, some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking antidepressants, but addiction is not a concern with SSRIs.
Conversely, medications like benzodiazepines, used for short-term anxiety, can be addictive and require careful monitoring. While effective for acute anxiety, they may lead to dependency if used daily.
Moreover, an increasing number of people are using beta-blockers off-label for anxiety. While not FDA-approved for this purpose, they can help reduce symptoms effectively without being addictive.
Social Factors Contributing to Anxiety Medication Increase
The surge in anxiety medication usage can be attributed to several factors, including social media’s growing influence, isolation, and economic uncertainty. The accessibility of these medications has improved through primary care providers and telehealth appointments.
Young adults are a primary demographic in this trend. Between 2019 and 2024, the percentage of 18- to 34-year-olds taking anxiety medication jumped from 8.8% to 14.6%. During the pandemic, lockdowns intensified stress levels, particularly among younger populations.
Interestingly, more women than men use these medications, partly because they are more inclined to acknowledge their anxiety and seek help. Societal shifts over the decades may have also contributed, as studies indicate rising anxiety levels among subsequent generations.
For Zapp, the journey with Lexapro took a few months to yield results, but once they came, they were significant. She found that her mind felt clearer, helping her focus better. Though she initially tried therapy, she currently maintains her anxiety with medication alone.
“It really helped me regain a sense of normalcy in my daily life, rather than being overwhelmed by anxiety,” she said.
