Surge in antidepressant usage among adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from an interrupted time series analysis

Background. Depressive disorders are a major public health issue in Western societies, particularly among adolescents, young adults and women. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges, increasing depression and anxiety symptoms, especially in younger people. This study focuses on the hard-hit Emilia-Romagna Region (ERR) in Italy, examining changes in antidepressant (AD) drug use post-COVID-19 to understand the pandemic's effect on mental health. Methods. A population-based interrupted time series design and a segmented regression analysis was carried out on ERR pharmaceutical data (FED, direct dispensation pharmaceuticals, AFT, territorial pharmaceutical assistance) out to estimate changes in AD use during the three pandemic years (2020, 2021 and 2022) compared to 2017-2019.Analyses were stratified by age, gender, citizenship, population density of the area of residence. Results. A notable increase in AD consumption compared to what was expected was observed among younger age groups, and especially in females. In the 12-19 age group, a gradual increase was recorded from January 2021 until it reached +48% in 2022 (+58% among women, +30% among men). An even more remarkable growth in AD usage among non-Italian residents in the same age group was recorded compared to expected. A relevant increase, although smaller, was detected among individuals in the 20-34 age group, with a peak of +9% in 2022. These differences persisted up until the end of the observation period. Conclusions. The study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have had a lasting negative impact on the mental health of younger individuals. The observed increase in AD use may foreshadow a potential long-term need for enhanced mental healthcare and services directed at this subpopulation.