Women spend significantly more out of pocket on mental health medications than men in 2024, according to a Sept. 18 GoodRx Research report.
Here are five things to know:
- Women spent over 50% more out of pocket on mental health prescriptions than men last year, totaling $5.4 billion compared to $3.6 billion.
- The annual out-of-pocket spending gap between women and men was $1.8 billion in 2024.
- Among people ages 45-64, women spent 99% more than men on mental health medications. For individuals 65 and older, the difference rose to 117%.
- Women outspend men by 113% on depression medications and by 102% on anxiety medications. Panic disorder (53%), bipolar disorder (46%) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (26%) also saw spending gaps.
- Schizophrenia was the only condition where men paid more: 49% more than women. ADHD spending was higher for boys younger than 18, accounting for 82% of their mental health prescription costs.
The findings reflect differences in healthcare utilization, chronic condition management and socioeconomic factors affecting women’s access and use of mental health care, according to the report.
Read the full report here.
