To characterize the prevalence of self-reported anxiety and depression among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the US during and after the COVID-19 pandemic (2021-2024), and to assess treatment rates.
Key Findings:
HCWs reported higher prevalence of anxiety (23.3% vs 19.1%, p < 0.001) and depression (22.3% vs 18.9%, p < 0.001) compared to non-HCWs.
72.1% of HCWs with anxiety and 67.2% with depression reported being untreated.
86.8% of HCWs with anxiety or depression did not receive medications or counseling.
Self-reported anxiety and depression among HCWs increased from 2021 to 2024.
Interpretation:
Healthcare workers experience significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to non-healthcare workers, with a substantial proportion remaining untreated, highlighting a critical need for improved mental health support and targeted interventions.
Limitations:
The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias.
Exclusion of individuals with missing data may limit generalizability.
Potential confounding factors may affect the results.
Conclusion:
The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions for healthcare workers to address high rates of anxiety and depression, particularly in the context of ongoing challenges in the healthcare environment.
In a target-trial emulation of more than 600,000 veterans, GLP-1 RA initiators saw fewer new substance use disorders—and patients with existing SUDs had fewer overdoses, hospitalizations, and deaths.
