More Women Turning to Antidepressants, but Overprescription Concerns Linger

Experts say increased access and reduced stigma have led to more women seeking mental health treatment, but warn about potential issues with rushed diagnoses and limited follow-up care.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The use of antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), has been steadily rising among women in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating this trend. While mental health advocates celebrate the increased openness around discussing and seeking treatment for conditions like depression and anxiety, some experts caution that the surge in prescriptions may not always be accompanied by thorough psychiatric evaluation and comprehensive care plans.

Why it matters

The growing prevalence of antidepressant use among women raises questions about whether these medications are being overprescribed, potentially leading to unnecessary treatment or masking underlying health issues. The nuances of this trend highlight the need for balanced discussions around mental health, access to quality care, and the importance of personalized, evidence-based treatment approaches.

The details

Psychiatrists interviewed for the story largely reject the idea of widespread SSRI overprescribing, arguing that the increase in usage reflects more people, especially women, being willing to seek help for mental health concerns. However, they acknowledge that the ease of access through telehealth and the tendency for non-psychiatric providers to prescribe antidepressants can sometimes lead to rushed diagnoses and suboptimal treatment plans. Patients also report instances where antidepressants were recommended before fully exploring other potential medical causes for their symptoms.

  • Over the past decade, antidepressant use among women has steadily increased.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, antidepressant dispensing for adolescents and young adults rose 63.5% faster, driven largely by girls and young women.
  • In 2023, one patient, Isha Sharma, began taking antidepressants after a traumatic breakup triggered a mental health crisis that threatened her ability to function at work.

The players

Dr. Danielle Hairston

A psychiatrist and residency training director at Howard University Hospital.

Dr. Jessi Gold

A psychiatrist and the chief wellness officer for the University of Tennessee System.

Sophie Levine

A New Yorker who has been taking antidepressants for years to manage persistent anxiety.

Isha Sharma

A 31-year-old New Yorker who began taking antidepressants in 2023 after a traumatic breakup.

Corina Kinnear

A LA-based dancer who felt her symptoms of long COVID were prematurely attributed to depression and treated with antidepressants.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think it's overprescribing. I think it's people being more willing to talk about their mental health needs and actually seek help.”

— Dr. Danielle Hairston, Psychiatrist and residency training director at Howard University Hospital

“Having more people use a therapist doesn't imply that everyone's all of a sudden depressed. It might mean they know [that care] exists. It might mean that the stigma is less and they're more comfortable using it. Or it could just mean that there's more going on in their lives.”

— Dr. Jessi Gold, Psychiatrist and chief wellness officer for the University of Tennessee System

“I'm just not living my life in spirals anymore.”

— Sophie Levine

“It was honestly sink or swim. I needed to either get medication to keep my job and stay afloat, or I was going to lose everything.”

— Isha Sharma

“It felt like, 'You sound crazy, so we're going to put you on an antidepressant.'”

— Corina Kinnear

What’s next

Experts suggest that the increased use of antidepressants, while reflecting greater openness around mental health, also highlights the need for more thorough psychiatric evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and better access to comprehensive mental health services, including therapy.

The takeaway

As antidepressant use among women continues to rise, it is crucial to strike a balance between improving access to mental health care and ensuring that treatment is delivered thoughtfully, with a focus on individual needs and a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply prescribing medication.