SSRIs Surge as Anxiety Treatments Expand, Sparking Public Debate

America’s use of anxiety medications jumped from 11.7% of adults in 2019 to 14.3% in 2024—roughly 38 million people—driven by easier telehealth access and pandemic-related stress. SSRIs like Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft are frontline treatments for disorders such as generalized anxiety and panic, with studies showing meaningful relief for many despite side effects; experts caution that they are most effective when paired with therapy, and note benzodiazepines carry dependence risks. Public figures, including RFK Jr., have questioned expanding SSRI use and potential links to behavior or pregnancy outcomes, fueling a broader debate about medicalization, safety, and access. The rise is greatest among young adults, women, and those with higher education or LGBTQ+ identification, while talk therapy and broader mental-health support also grew during this period.