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The prevalence of diagnosed disorders stemming from recurrent use of sedative, hypnotic, and antianxiety medications has seen a significant rise in adolescents and young adults since 2001, according to new research from Rutgers Health. Published in the journal Addiction, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of trends in these diagnoses over nearly two decades.
Alarming Trends in Youth Diagnoses
Using national Medicaid data, the researchers analyzed nearly 7 million adolescents and young adults in 2001 and 13 million in 2019. They found a threefold increase in sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic use disorder diagnoses among adolescents and a fivefold increase among young adults during this period.
“The increase in diagnoses of these disorders may be due to changes in the availability, use, and misuse of sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics, as well as heightened detection and awareness,” said Greta Bushnell, an assistant professor at the Rutgers Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science (PETS) and the study’s lead author.
Sedative, hypnotic, and antianxiety medications are commonly prescribed to manage conditions such as anxiety and sleep disorders. However, consistent use can lead to tolerance, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effects. For some, this escalates into a problematic pattern of use, resulting in significant impairment and distress—a hallmark of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorders.
A Complex Picture of Access and Misuse
The study highlighted a concerning trend: while prescription access plays a role, a majority of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with these disorders had not been prescribed the medications. Instead, these substances were often accessed through nonmedical sources, such as friends or leftover medications found at home.
“Efforts to target nonmedical use of these drugs are crucial in reducing this disorder,” Bushnell emphasized. “Cautious prescribing practices in this vulnerable population are equally important.”
Links to Other Substance Use Disorders
Researchers noted a strong association between sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic use disorders and other substance use disorders. In adolescents, cannabis use disorder was the most common comorbid condition, while opioid use disorder was prevalent in young adults. This overlap underscores the complexity of treating these disorders and the importance of integrated care.
“While these disorders are less common compared to other substance use disorders, they deserve significant attention due to treatment challenges and their association with other substance use issues,” Bushnell said.
Implications for Public Health
The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address both medical and nonmedical use of sedative, hypnotic, and antianxiety medications. Enhanced awareness and education for clinicians, patients, and families could help mitigate the risks associated with these drugs.
Bushnell and her team hope that by examining these trends, healthcare providers can better understand the affected population and enhance support systems through improved care and resources.
Study Details
The full study, titled “Nationwide trends in diagnosed sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorders in adolescents and young adults enrolled in Medicaid: 2001–2019,” is available in the journal Addiction. DOI: 10.1111/add.16749.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding medications or mental health concerns.
