A time-series analysis of anxiety diagnoses and prescriptions from January 2018 to January 2023

This research aimed to estimate whether first-time anxiety diagnoses and medication usage during and after the COVID-19 pandemic differed from diagnosis and medication usage rates prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, within groups stratified by age. We observed a significant increase in first-time anxiety diagnoses and prescriptions for 12–17-year-olds during April 2020-March 2021 compared to January 2018-February 2020. These trends were not sustained in subsequent periods. We also observed an increase in first-time prescriptions for 18–29-year-olds during the same time. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health concerns, particularly among adolescents, both during and beyond the pandemic.