"Rising Antidepressant Prescriptions Among Young People: Post-COVID Trends and Concerns"

A study published in Pediatrics reveals a 66% increase in antidepressant prescriptions for tweens, teens, and young adults since 2016, with a notable surge during the pandemic, particularly among girls and young women. Factors contributing to this surge include higher rates of depression and anxiety, increased access to care through telehealth, and long waitlists for therapy. While the impact of social media on mental health wasn't explicitly discussed, experts suggest it may have played a role. Further research is needed to understand the specific drivers of this trend and determine the most effective interventions.