As Anxiety Medication Use Rises, Government Officials Criticize Treatment

Supporters of the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement argue anxiety drugs are harmful, despite evidence they are effective for many.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The proportion of American adults taking 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 they are addictive and harmful. Doctors and researchers say medications like Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro are proven safe and effective front-line treatments for many anxiety disorders.

Why it matters

The debate over anxiety medications highlights growing tensions between traditional medical approaches and alternative health movements. As more Americans seek treatment for anxiety, government officials' criticism of widely used drugs could discourage people from accessing effective care and promote unproven remedies.

The details

Studies show over half of people with generalized anxiety disorder taking an SSRI saw their symptoms reduced by at least 50%, though side effects like upset stomach and fatigue prompt about 1 in 12 to stop taking the medication. Psychiatrists often encourage a healthy diet, exercise, and talk therapy as adjunctive treatments, but say medication can be crucial, especially for those unable to manage anxiety without it. The rise in anxiety medication use is driven by factors like increased social media use, isolation, and economic uncertainty.

  • The proportion of American adults who took anxiety medications jumped from 11.7% in 2019 to 14.3% in 2024.
  • During his January 29 confirmation hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized broadening SSRI use.

The players

Sadia Zapp

A 40-year-old communications director in New York who started taking the anxiety medication Lexapro after a battle with breast cancer.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Health and Human Services Secretary who has decried broadening SSRI use, claiming they are addictive and harmful.

Marty Makary

The Food and Drug Administration Commissioner who has suggested SSRI use among pregnant women could lead to poor birth outcomes.

Patrick Kelly

The president of the Southern California Psychiatric Society who says Kennedy's comments about SSRIs were "not grounded in any sort of evidence or fact."

Emily Wood

A psychiatrist who practices in Los Angeles and says when used properly, "SSRIs can be really, really helpful."

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What they’re saying

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

— Sadia Zapp (ognsc.com)

“The statements about SSRIs were just not grounded in any sort of evidence or fact.”

— Patrick Kelly, President of the Southern California Psychiatric Society (ognsc.com)

“Anxiety disorders are amongst our psychiatric disorders that really respond well to cognitive behavioral therapy.”

— Emily Wood, Psychiatrist (ognsc.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This debate over anxiety medications highlights the growing tensions between traditional medical approaches and alternative health movements. As more Americans seek treatment for anxiety, government officials' criticism of widely used drugs could discourage people from accessing effective care and promote unproven remedies.