New Starts of Psychotropic Medications Dropped During COVID-19

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.