Clinical psychologist talks about mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
According to an August survey by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of Americans are struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
NEW YORK – Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. announced that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved Auvelity, an oral medication used to treat major depressive disorder in adults.
The biopharmaceutical company expects the treatment to be commercially available in the US in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Auvelity is claimed to be able to reduce symptoms of depression within a week compared to older antidepressants.
“The mental health crisis in the United States is one of the most pressing health issues facing our country today,” said Michael Pollock, executive director of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, in a press release. “More than 20 million American adults experienced a major depressive disorder each year before the COVID-19 pandemic. These numbers increased dramatically during the pandemic, with approximately thirty percent of adults in the US or more 80 million Americans experiencing heightened symptoms of depression.”
RELATED: 988 hotline to simplify access to emotional distress and suicidal crisis resources
According to the company’s press release, Auvality was studied in a comprehensive clinical program that included more than 1,100 patients with depression.
According to ReutersAxsome’s therapy targets several neurotransmitters, including glutamate, and was successful in a late-stage trial in 2019. The therapy’s long-awaited approval comes after the agency found shortcomings in the company’s application last year. past and expand your drug review.
Depression on the rise around the world
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25% in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The scientific report published by the United Nations (UN) agency said that one explanation for the increase is the unprecedented stress caused by social isolation resulting from the pandemic.
Global report reveals the impact of the pandemic on mental health and sleep
An August report suggests that the COVID-19 outbreak has profoundly affected the sleep and mental health of people around the world.
Loneliness, fear of infection, grief and death of self and loved ones, grief after grief, and financial worries were all cited as factors leading to anxiety and depression.
The WHO also said that depression is a common illness worldwide, with an estimated 3.8% of the population affected, including 5.0% among adults and 5.7% among adults over 60 years of age. Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression.
RELATED: 988 hotline to simplify access to emotional distress and suicidal crisis resources
Symptoms of depression include a depressed mood (feeling sad, irritable, empty) or a loss of pleasure or interest in activities for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, according to the WHO .
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24/7 to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (tel:18002738255). Or text HOME to 741-741 (crisis text line).
CLICK HERE https://afsp.org/risk-factors-and-warning-signs (https://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/) for warning signs and risk factors for suicide. Call 1-800-273-TALK for free and confidential emotional support.
This story was reported from Los Angeles.
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