An analysis conducted by FAIR Health, shared exclusively with Axios, reveals a staggering 40% nationwide increase in patients diagnosed with mental health conditions from 2019 to 2023, with seniors experiencing the most significant surge.
The significance: This data not only reflects the heightened anxiety and stress prevalent during the pandemic era but also suggests a potential decrease in stigma surrounding mental health care seeking and enhanced accessibility through telehealth services.
By the numbers: FAIR Health’s examination, drawing from a database encompassing approximately 46 billion commercial insurance claims, including Medicare Advantage, scrutinized in-network claims spanning the period between 2019 and 2023.
The sharpest rise, at 57%, occurred among individuals aged 65 and above. In 2023, approximately 14% of seniors received a mental health diagnosis, up from 9% in 2019.
The second most significant uptick, approximately 44%, was observed among patients aged 23 to 40.
For individuals aged 23 to 30, the prevalence of mental health diagnoses surged from 19% to 28%, while it rose from 18% to 25% for those aged 31 to 40.
Generalized anxiety disorder emerged as the most common mental health diagnosis in 2023.
Our take: Americans have consistently identified poor mental health as a paramount threat to public health.
While much attention has been directed towards addressing the mental health challenges faced by youth and working-age adults, this data serves as a poignant reminder of the unique struggles confronted by older adults as well.
