Israeli Mental Health Medication Use Surges Amid War

Jerusalem, 20 November, 2024 (TPS-IL) -- The use of mental health medication by Israelis has surged, health officials told the Knesset Health Committee on Wednesday.

Health Ministry officials told lawmakers that anti-anxiety drug use rose by 19.7% in the last quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. Overall, mental health drug consumption grew by approximately 5%, reflecting the ongoing psychological toll of the war.

“While medication can be the most effective treatment for many patients, it is crucial to ensure prescriptions are issued responsibly,” said acting committee chairman MK Yaron Levy. He stressed the need for a deeper examination of how potential side effects, addiction risks and withdrawal challenges are addressed.

Dr. Gilad Bodenheimer, head of the Ministry of Health’s mental health division, told the committee there was a sharp increase in the use of anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications following the outbreak of the war, but this was followed by dip. He added that demand surged later, particularly among children and youth.

According to Bodenheimer, about 5% of the Israeli population currently uses some form of mental health medication.

Dr. Ehud Rozitzky, Chief Psychiatrist for the Clalit health care provider’s Jerusalem District, advocated periodic evaluations of patients on long-term medications to ensure their appropriateness.

According to data presented by Dr. Yonatan Friedman from the Israeli Center for Addictions, a sample of 2,500 individuals showed that 53% of trauma patients had increased their psychiatric drug use. And Dr. Tali Shmueli, director of mental health department of the Maccabi health care provider, added that 43% of the public reported a worsening of chronic conditions since the war began. She told the committee she found increases in alcohol consumption, smoking, and a shortage of psychiatric staff, particularly in Israel’s southern regions.

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