The global antidepressant drugs market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period. Antidepressants are the most widely prescribed medications to treat anxiety disorders, moderate persistent depression, and MDD symptoms. These medications are used to repair chemical imbalances in the brain that may be causing behavioral and mood abnormalities. Antidepressants are divided into four categories: SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. These antidepressants, such as SSRIs, act by inhibiting the reuptake of specific neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) and thereby increasing their levels throughout the brain nerves.

Increased depression and stress levels, as well as a growing geriatric population, are driving market expansion. Older people are more susceptible to diseases such as subsyndromal depression and other stress-related disorders. According to World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 3.8% of the population, including 5.0% among adults and 5.7% among elders older than 60 years is suffering from depression which accounts for 280 million people globally in 2021. Other causes, such as chronic medical illnesses, crimes such as sexual assault and femicide, and other behavioral disorders, may contribute to depression, resulting in a requirement for antidepressant medications. However, lack of availability of proper guidance, lack of awareness among people regarding mental depression in developing economies, and medicine patent expiration are some of the market's restraints. Nonetheless, the introduction of new and improved medications with fewer side effects is expected to expand the market in the future.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Antidepressant Drugs Market

COVID-19 had a great impact on the global antidepressant drugs market. Due to stringent lockdowns in factories and offices, people were bound to stay back at their homes, due to which some people suffered from depression and anxiety. The use of the antidepressant drug increased heavily during the COVID-19 pandemic and this led to the growth of the global antidepressant drug market. The pharmaceutical industry boomed as the consumption of drugs had been constantly rising. Additionally, people who were infected with COVID-19, are more prone to develop mental health disorders leading to depression and anxiety-related issues. To combat these health issues, antidepressant drug is being used which will contribute to the growth of the market.

Segmental Outlook 

The global antidepressant drugs market is segmented on the basis of depressive disorder and drug class. Based on the depressive disorder, the market is sub-segmented into MDD, OCD, GAD, PD, and other depressive disorders. Based on the drug class, the market is sub-segmented as SSRI, SNRI, MAOI, and other medications such as tricyclic antidepressants. Over the forecast period, the market for global antidepressant drugs is anticipated to grow at a fast pace as due to the reopening of offices and increase in workload, people will be bound to face depression and anxiety issues. 

Global Antidepressant Drugs Market Share by Drug Class, 2021 (%)

The Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) is Anticipated to Hold a Prominent Share in the Global Antidepressant Drugs Market

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) segment of the global antidepressant drugs market is expected to account for a major portion of the market. These are the most widely prescribed antidepressant medications because they provide the most benefits with the fewest negative effects when compared to other medications. It helps to alleviate depression symptoms by increasing serotonin uptake in the brain. Some of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs include escitalopram (Lexapro), fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluvoxamine CR (Luvox CR), paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine CR (Paxil CR), and sertraline (Zoloft).

Regional Outlooks

The global antidepressant drugs market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Others), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, and Others), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East &Africa, and Latin America).  The market can be analyzed for a particular region or country level as per the requirement. North America and the Asia-Pacific region is more subjected to have factors giving rise to the use of antidepressant drugs. Therefore, the growth of the market can clearly be seen in these regions.

Global Antidepressant Drugs Market Growth, by Region 2022-2028

The North America Region is Estimated to Hold the Major Share in the Global Antidepressant Drugs Market

During the projection period, North America is expected to see significant market expansion due to the rising prevalence of depressive disorders. The increased frequency of depressive disorders in the US is driving demand for various types of antidepressant medications and therapies, which is likely to drive the antidepressant drugs market in this region. According to National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 21.0 million adults in the US had at least one major depressive disorder in 2020. This number represented 8.4% of all US adults. The prevalence was higher among adult females (10.5%) compared to males (6.2%). Adults aged 18-25 were the most likely to have a major depressive episode.

Market Players Outlook

Pfizer Inc., Eli Lilly & Co., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Novartis International AG, Sanofi S.A., Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Intellipharmaceutics International Inc., and GlaxoSmithKline Plc are some of the major players in the global antidepressant drugs market. To strengthen their product portfolios and retain a competitive position in the global antidepressant drugs market, these firms are employing a variety of organic and inorganic growth tactics such as new launches and development, collaborations, agreements, and acquisitions. For instance, in September 2021, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Sunovion), and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced that they have entered into a global license agreement for the joint development and commercialization of four compounds: ulotaront (SEP-363856), a non-racemic ratio of amisulpride enantiomers (SEP-4199), SEP-378614 and SEP-380135. Non-racemic amisulpride (SEP-4199) is in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of major depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression).

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2021 and forecast to 2028.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global antidepressant drugs market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.