Anxiety Medication Use Rises in the U.S.: Trends, Treatments and Concerns

After a cancer diagnosis, Sadia Zapp, a 40-year-old communications director, found herself grappling with anxiety and turned to Lexapro, a serotonin-boosting medication, for relief. Her experience reflects a broader trend: a significant increase in anxiety medication use across the United States.

The Rise in Anxiety Medication Use

The proportion of American adults taking anxiety medications jumped from 11.7% in 2019 to 14.3% in 2024, an increase of approximately 8 million people, bringing the total to around 38 million. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data reveals sharp increases among young adults, college graduates, and individuals identifying as LGBTQ+.

SSRIs: A Common Treatment Option

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro, are frequently prescribed as first-line treatments for anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Psychiatrists emphasize their proven safety and effectiveness for extended use, despite recent misrepresentations regarding their addictive potential and broad harm.

A recent study indicated that over half of individuals with generalized anxiety disorder experienced at least a 50% reduction in symptoms while taking an SSRI. Approximately one in twelve discontinued use due to side effects.

Controversies and Concerns

Despite their widespread use and demonstrated benefits, SSRIs have faced criticism, particularly from figures like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed concerns about their potential for dependence and possible links to violent behavior. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary has too raised questions about SSRI use during pregnancy.

Common side effects of SSRIs include upset stomach, brain fog, and fatigue, as well as potential sexual side effects. However, many individuals find these side effects mild and manageable, and the benefits of treating chronic anxiety outweigh the drawbacks.

Alternative Approaches and Adjunctive Therapies

Supporters of the “Craft America Healthy Again” movement attribute the rise in anxiety to factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and increased screen time. They advocate for reducing ultraprocessed food consumption and incorporating more physical activity into daily routines. Psychiatrists often recommend a healthy lifestyle as a complementary therapy to medication and talk therapy.

The use of mental health counseling has also increased significantly, driven by the growing popularity of teletherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for anxiety disorders.

Benzodiazepines and Beta-Blockers

While SSRIs are often the first line of defense, other medications are sometimes used to manage anxiety. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, can be effective for short-term relief but carry a risk of dependence and potential for opioid overdose when combined with other drugs. Beta-blockers, like propranolol, are occasionally prescribed “off-label” to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart, and are considered non-addictive.

Social and Generational Trends

Several factors may contribute to the increasing prevalence of anxiety and the subsequent rise in medication use, including increased social media use, social isolation, and economic uncertainty. Studies suggest that anxiety has been growing more prevalent across generations throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Growing income inequality and a decline in social and religious activities may also play a role.

The Importance of Integrated Treatment

For Sadia Zapp, a combination of Lexapro and talk therapy proved effective in managing her anxiety following a cancer diagnosis. She found that medication helped restore focus and productivity to her daily life.

a comprehensive approach that combines medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments offers the most promising path to managing anxiety and improving overall well-being.