Researchers analyzed electronic health records from general practices in England, including over 5 million individuals aged 14-28 years, to examine seasonal patterns in primary care antidepressant prescribing and mental health issues among adolescents and young adults. The study, spanning 2006 to 2019, calculated incidence rates and rate ratios for the first records of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) prescriptions, depression, anxiety, and self-harm, adjusting for various factors such as year, region, and socio-economic status.

The findings highlighted a significant increase in SSRI prescribing and incidence of depression and anxiety among male and female adolescents during autumn months (September-November), which was not observed in older age groups. The incidence rate ratios for SSRI prescriptions peaked in November for both males and females in the adolescent group, with the highest rates for depression occurring at the same time. Anxiety rates peaked in November for female adolescents and in September for male adolescents. The results suggest a higher prevalence of antidepressant use and mental health consultations for depression and anxiety at the start of the school year among adolescents.

Reference: Jack RH, Joseph RM, Hollis C, et al. Seasonal trends in antidepressant prescribing, depression, anxiety and self-harm in adolescents and young adults: an open cohort study using English primary care data. BMJ Ment Health. 2023;26(1):e300855. doi: 10.1136/bmjment-2023-300855.