More young people used antidepressants during second lockdown

Research institute Nivel has found that more young people were prescribed medication for anxiety and depression during the second lockdown in early 2021 than during the first lockdown in 2020.

During the second lockdown, an average of 218 out of 100,000 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 were prescribed medication every week due to anxiety and depression symptoms, Nivel reports. Prior to the corona crisis, 202 of every 100,000 young people received this medication; an increase compared to 2019. According to Nivel, no major increase could be seen in other age groups.

The news from Nivel is in line with the figures previously announced by Statistics Netherlands (CBS). This shows that in the first half of 2021, a quarter of young people between the ages of 18 and 25 indicated that they felt psychologically unhealthy.

Social isolation the culprit

Research institute Nivel suspects that social isolation due to the corona measures in particular has had an effect on young people, because it hinders the normal development of young adults, such as completing further education and looking for a job, according to Nivel.

According to the research institute, the increase in the number of figures during the second lockdown can be explained by the fact that people do not immediately go to the GP and because GPs do not simply prescribe this type of medication. Nivel therefore says that the figures indicate that these are “serious problems” that can have long-lasting effects on young people. The institute therefore emphasizes: “It is therefore important to keep an eye on the psychological health of this group of young people.” AP

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