Progress in mental healthcare is typically slow and gradual. Significant advancements are infrequent, and the number of trained professionals falls short of the growing demand for services. However, 2024 marked a turning point, driven by years of research and increased post-pandemic awareness of mental health issues.
In March, the FDA approved Rejoyn, a new app representing a novel therapeutic approach with the potential to significantly expand access to treatment. Six months later, Cobenfy, the first new schizophrenia drug in 30 years, received FDA approval. It targets a different brain system compared to existing treatments. Furthermore, the FDA considered a request to approve a psychedelic drug for therapeutic use, although the application was ultimately rejected pending further research; however, the agency expressed continued interest in psychedelics as a potential treatment option for certain mental health conditions.
These developments coincide with an escalating need for mental healthcare services. Approximately one-fifth of U.S. teenagers reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in a recent federal survey (2021–22), yet 20% indicated they could not afford therapy. The 988 mental health crisis lifeline handled about 5.3 million calls, texts, and chats this year. The U.S. Surgeon General highlighted two significant mental health concerns: the detrimental effects of social media on young people and the considerable stress and anxiety faced by parents today.
Clearly, greater support is crucial. Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health, points to a shortage of trained professionals as a major obstacle. However, innovations like those introduced in 2024 can alleviate the burden on mental health professionals. Cobenfy, the new schizophrenia drug, addresses the limitations of existing treatments, which often lack efficacy and have severe side effects, leading to high discontinuation rates. Cobenfy targets a different brain circuit, exhibiting improved tolerability and demonstrating effectiveness in reducing symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. This can enhance access to treatment for a greater number of patients.
Rejoyn, approved as an adjunct therapy, empowers individuals to actively manage their mental health using a smartphone app. It encourages users to identify emotions displayed on faces, engaging both emotional and cognitive brain processing. Studies showed that six weeks of Rejoyn use resulted in more balanced brain activity and reduced depression symptoms in participants. This “rewiring” may improve responsiveness to conventional treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or antidepressants.
While these advancements benefited patients in 2024, their development spanned decades of fundamental scientific research, experimentation, and rigorous human testing. This is true not only for mental health innovations but also for broader medical breakthroughs. 2024 also witnessed the first genetically edited babies, the first CRISPR-edited gene therapy administered to patients, the emergence of Ozempic, and unprecedented remission rates in difficult-to-treat cancers. Dr. Eric Topol, founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, notes an unprecedented acceleration of advancements across various fields.
The incoming Trump administration’s potential reduction of federal research budgets and downsizing of health agencies, citing efficiency, raises concerns about a slowdown in this progress, potentially impacting future treatment options. While immediate effects may be subtle, this could significantly hinder innovation in the years to come. Dr. Jha emphasizes the NIH’s critical role in long-term scientific advancement, warning that budget cuts may not have immediate consequences but will negatively impact future generations.
Philanthropic organizations and the private sector could potentially bridge the funding gap. However, this may lead to less diverse investment, prioritizing specific conditions and exacerbating existing disparities in access to essential healthcare services, including mental health care.
Even more concerning than potential budget cuts is the growing distrust in science and scientists, which Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania, describes as a “culture of hostility to expertise.” He notes the shift from respect for scientific expertise to hostility and denigration, a trend that contrasts sharply with the remarkable progress driven by science.
Rebuilding trust in science is vital to sustain medical advancements that improve lives. This is crucial in mental health, given the rising rates of illness and demand for treatment. Innovative treatments and the integration of digital technologies represent essential first steps towards expanding access and addressing unmet needs.
Continued investment is necessary, as Dr. Jha highlights the improving health landscape in the U.S. driven by long-term investments in the NIH and the work of public health and biomedical scientists.