New starts of antidepressants declined by 7.5%, anxiolytics by
5.6%, and antipsychotics by 2.6% compared with forecast levels during the first
five months of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study published in
Health Affairs. For all medications, declines in new starts were particularly
dramatic during the initial stay-at-home order period from March to May 2020.
Though there was a significant rebound in new prescription starts after mid-May,
the numbers remained below 2019 levels. There were substantial drops in new
starts for patients younger than 18, across all medication classes, with a
34.6% decline in antidepressants, 27.3% in anxiolytics and 22.2% in
antipsychotics compared with the expected levels.
NOTES: CAP refers to child and adolescent psychiatrist. NP
refers to nurse practitioner. PA refers to physician assistant.
"Other" refers to nonphysician specialist.
SOURCE: "Decline In New Starts Of Psychotropic Medications During The
COVID-19 Pandemic," Health Affairs 40, NO. 6 (2021): 904–909. Visit https://bit.ly/3wT7Akf.
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