Anxiety Pill Crisis: Spain and Portugal's Struggle for Mental Health

Spain and Portugal: Anxiety Pill Consumption Soars Amidst Mental Health Crisis Spain and Portugal are facing a mental health crisis, as evidenced by the alarmingly high consumption of anxiety medication. Data shows that nearly 1 in 10 adults in these countries rely on daily prescriptions to manage anxiety and insomnia, with women disproportionately affected. This trend, which has been steadily increasing for decades, spiked after the COVID-19 pandemic. "In Spain, the use of these medications has almost doubled since 2000," reports Fernando Mateos Frühbeck, a DW journalist. The video showcases a graph illustrating this dramatic increase. This surge is further contrasted by significantly lower consumption rates in countries like Germany and Italy. Dr. David López, a psychiatrist interviewed in the video, explains that the easy access and affordability of these medications contribute to the problem. "They are very available and inexpensive," he states. However, he cautions that the lack of adequate mental health resources, including a shortage of professionals and insufficient access to quality psychotherapy, leads to reliance on quick fixes. He also notes that long-term use can lead to side effects and increased risks. The video concludes by highlighting the stark contrast between the ease of obtaining medication and the lengthy wait times for mental health services, raising serious concerns about the state of public health in Spain and Portugal.