Apr 29, 2024 - Health

Mental health diagnoses jump among seniors

Tina Reed

Illustration of a spotlight shining on a brain. — Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi/Axios

The share of patients with mental health diagnoses rose 40% nationally from 2019 to 2023, with the most significant jump among seniors, according to a FAIR Health analysis shared first with Axios.

Why it matters: While the data reflects the anxiety and stress of the pandemic era, it could also point to reduced stigma in seeking care and increased access via telehealth.

By the numbers: Mental health diagnoses rose across all age groups, according to the data from FAIR Health, which used a database of roughly 46 billion commercial insurance claims — including Medicare Advantage — to examine in-network claims between 2019 and 2023.

The largest increase (57%) was among those aged 65 and over. About 14% had a mental health diagnosis in 2023, up from 9% in 2019.
The second largest increases (about 44%) were among patients ages 23-40.
The share of patients ages 23-30 with a mental health diagnosis increased from 19% to 28%, while it increased from 18% to 25% for those 31-40.
Generalized anxiety disorder was the most common mental health diagnoses in 2023.

Our thought bubble: Americans have cited poor mental health as one of the biggest threats to public health.

While much of the focus has centered on youth as well as working adults, this is a reminder of the challenges faced by adults in their older years.

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Mental health diagnoses jump among seniors

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