In the setting of the COVID-19 outbreak, there is evidence that the prevalence of depression and anxiety is on the rise among Americans. According to data provided by Express Scripts on prescriptions submitted between February 16 and March 15, there was a huge jump in the number of prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications, which rose by 34.1%. Prescriptions for antidepressants increased by 18.6%, and medications for treating insomnia rose by 14.8%. (This report did not include data beyond March 15; thus, we are likely not seeing the full effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
It is a challenging and uncertain time, and many of us report feeling worried, or sad, or upset. Many report other symptoms of depression, including poor concentration, fatigue, insomnia, inability to enjoy their usual activities, and feelings of hopelessness. All of these symptoms are normal in the setting of a tumultuous life event; however, they can signify a more persistent problem.
So how does one distinguish these symptoms from an episode of depression or anxiety symptoms that require some sort of treatment? In an article published in the Well section of the New York Times, Dr. Luana Marques, Director of Community Psychiatry Program for Research in Implementation and Dissemination of Evidence-Based Treatments (PRIDE) at MGH, discusses how to tell when these symptoms are causing problems.
Read More:
How to Tell if It’s More Than Just a Bad Mood (New York Times)
