Anxiety Medication Use Rises as MAHA Movement Criticizes Treatments

Proportion of American adults taking anxiety meds jumped from 11.7% in 2019 to 14.3% in 2024, with pandemic driving much of the increase.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The proportion of American adults who took anxiety medications jumped from 11.7% in 2019 to 14.3% in 2024, with most of the increase occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. While psychiatric medications have gained more public acceptance, the rise of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has triggered a backlash from supporters of the 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) movement, who argue the drugs are harmful. Doctors and researchers say medications like Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro are effective front-line treatments for many anxiety disorders, despite MAHA's claims.

Why it matters

The growing use of anxiety medications highlights a shift in how Americans are managing mental health, with more people turning to prescription drugs. However, the MAHA movement's criticism of these treatments raises concerns about the potential stigmatization of anxiety disorders and access to effective care.

The details

The proportion of American adults who took anxiety medications, including SSRIs like Lexapro, jumped from 11.7% in 2019 to 14.3% in 2024, with much of the increase occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. While these medications have become more accepted, the MAHA movement has criticized their use, arguing they are harmful despite research showing SSRIs are effective treatments for many anxiety disorders when used properly. Doctors say the side effects of these medications are generally mild and tolerable, and the benefits of treating chronic anxiety outweigh the risks.

  • The proportion of American adults who took anxiety medications increased from 11.7% in 2019 to 14.3% in 2024.
  • Most of the increase in anxiety medication use occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The players

Sadia Zapp

A 40-year-old communications director in New York who started taking the anxiety medication Lexapro after undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Health and Human Services Secretary who has decried the broadening use of SSRI medications.

Marty Makary

The Food and Drug Administration Commissioner.

Dr. Noel Wood

A psychiatrist who says SSRIs can be helpful when used properly, but that benzodiazepines like Xanax require more monitoring and care due to their habit-forming nature.

Dr. Jason Schnittker

The author of a study that found anxiety growing more prevalent among successive generations, potentially due to factors like increasing income inequality and social isolation.

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What they’re saying

“I love it. It's been great. It's really helped me manage.”

— Sadia Zapp (KFF Health News)

“When it's being done right and when you're also using appropriate therapy techniques, SSRIs can be really, really helpful.”

— Dr. Noel Wood, Psychiatrist (KFF Health News)

“I think increased access is good, but that's not the same thing as, you know, ordering Xanax online.”

— Dr. Noel Wood, Psychiatrist (KFF Health News)

The takeaway

The rise in anxiety medication use highlights both the growing acceptance of mental health treatment and the ongoing debate around the appropriate use of psychiatric drugs. As access to these medications increases, it will be important to balance the benefits of effective treatment with concerns about potential misuse or overreliance on pharmaceuticals to manage mental health issues.