How The Coronavirus Pandemic May Bend The Demand For Behavioral Health Services

Crises of any kind are known to increase mental health and addictive disorders. This pandemic crisis is no exception. The initial estimates are sobering.

An early April poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation (see KFF Health Tracking Poll – Early April 2020: The Impact Of Coronavirus On Life In America) shows that nearly half (45%) of all U.S. adults say the pandemic has affected their mental health, while 19% say it has had a “major impact.” Prescriptions for anti-anxiety drugs spiked 34% between February 16 and March 15, and also increased for antidepressants (18.6%) and anti-insomnia drugs . . .