On the Couch with Gail Saltz, M.D. | A Mental Health Blog at iVillage.com
- Love
- On the Couch with Dr. Gail Saltz
Antidepressants are the most prescribed drug in the US. What does this mean?
The CDC has done a study looking the drugs prescribed for 2005 in visits to doctors and hospitals. Of the 2.4 billion drugs prescribed, 118 million were for antidepressants. Between 1998 and 2002, the use of antidepressants has risen 48%. There is no question that many many more people are taking antidepressants, but there is a question as to whether they should be and therefore whether this rise in use of medication is good or bad.
The landscape is complicated. 25% of all people will suffer a clinical depression in his or her lifetime. In fact, about 18 million people are currently suffering from depression and as many as 80% of them are not getting treatment. Even in 2007, there are many people who do not know the signs and symptoms of depression, do not know how to get treatment or even that treatment would help them.
Perhaps even more problematic is that half of all Americans still think depression is a matter of moral weakness—something that you should be able to tough your way out of—and they are ashamed to admit they are depressed or get treatment. Although people are increasingly educated about depression, there is still a long way to go. More antidepressant prescriptions means that more people who need treatment are getting it. In addition to suffering, loss of quality of life and loss of productivity, depression has a 15% mortality rate, due to suicides completed.
On the flip side, there is no question that many people are taking antidepressants without meeting the full criteria for Clinical Depression. They are being treated for "unhappiness." Today's society has become fairly intolerant of being sad, blue, frustrated and bored. We are consistently looking for ways to fend off these noxious feelings (which are a part of the range of normal human emotions) and stay "happy." People do this by shopping, eating and other pleasurable activities. They also go to their doctor and say they think they are unhappy, and in many cases their doctor will give them an antidepressant.
Add to this mix the very aggressive marketing to the public from drug companies that tell you that you don't have to feel bad. Doctors are not necessarily going through an evaluation for depression, making sure the patient meets the criteria and planning a course of therapy based on a true diagnosis of depression. (Studies show that it is medication plus therapy that is most effective for depression.)
Many prescriptions are written for this kind of patient. He or she may be better off figuring out what the source of his or her unhappiness is and how they are going to deal with those circumstances, as well as solving how to tolerate some negative emotions.
The bottom line is that depression is still an under-treated disease and in cases of moderate to severe depression, an antidepressant may truly be needed. But, there is no free ride. Antidepressants, like all medications, have side effects and potential down sides.
Too many Americans are taking medication to fight off the normal human emotions of unhappiness rather than building coping skills to deal with it. This is why it is important to get a proper and thorough evaluation for depression by an experienced and well trained clinician.
0 TrackBacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Antidepressants are the most prescribed drug in the US. What does this mean?.
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://gailsaltz.ivillage.com/system/mt-tb.cgi/4967
Is there a connection between over-indulged children and the overuse of antidepressants?
The current criteria for happiness among kids is contingent upon material goods and body image.
Are parents who can't afford to provide new cars, designer clothes, plastic surgery and extravagant birthday parties going to find themselves paying for Prozac for their kids?
When the standard for happiness reaches unreachable levels, are we choosing to numb ourselves rather than evaluate the standards?
How many adults are allowing immature thinking to set the standards in their homes?
Are adults themselves chasing the illusive mood and choosing to modify with medicine when they find that happiness can't be bought......even if one can afford it? Are they modeling this for their kids and actually leading them down the same path?
The current criteria for happiness among ADULTS is contingent upon material goods and body image.
Is there a connection between over-indulged adults and the overuse of antidepressants?
I was extremely reluctant to take my prescribed antidepressant. I've been diagnosed with PTSD and panic disorder, but I've always felt that people who take drugs "weren't strong enough". I'm extremely glad I got a direct order to take them (I'm in the military) because now, 6 months later, you wouldn't recognize me from the person I used to be. I'm still not "good", but I'm better. The thing that bothers me is all the people taking drugs they don't need, and making those of us who do need them feel stigmatized.
I think the media's latest trend of covering serious issues with sweeping generalities is part of the problem with our society. Mental illness in America isn't something that should be discussed in a few paragraphs with terms like "some people" and "other people". This is a complicated issue and shouldn't be glossed over to fill a two minute bit on a news show.
I take an antidepressant, and even though I don't like taking it or people knowing, it helps. When I stop taking it, I notice the chaos, and confusion, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and ineffective sneaking back in w/i weeks. I agree, people shouldn't think the pills will make them happy. They don't. But if you need them, there's no shame in taking them. Therapy, with a GOOD therapist, is also a wise investment. So is just slowing down, eating well, exercising a little. You can't take care of anyone else if you don't take care of yourself.
Hi there! Your site is cool!
Amen/Well said; as a psychiatric nurse working/caring for the mentally ill, and having had many personal experiences relating to mental illess, I believe that an attentive individual, to themself, is one who knows when something is wrong, is able to seek help in a timely manner, in order to improve the quality of their life. The little things mean so much; please don't forget that. Smile, cry, be honest with your feelings, and tell those that you love that you are there for them, you may not have a second chance.
" ... What does this mean? "
Madison Avenue has been very successful.
The doctors are receiving compensation from drug companies, that is why there are many people on antidepressants. It is sickening to see so many lazy "doctors"!
Happy hour has become a taboo since people are afraid of sexually transmitted disease.
Bruce
We know that the use of anti-depressant medication is on the rise. I have a feeling that many of the folks who take the meds would have self-medicated with alcohol in an earlier time. It would be interesting to see a study to see if alcohol use and anti-depressant use are inversely proportional.
"The doctors are receiving compensation from drug companies, that is why there are many people on antidepressants. It is sickening to see so many lazy "doctors"!"
That is an assinine statement. You would be the last person on earth I would talk to if I was severly depressed. God Help me
nt. I hope you don't have anyone close to you who is severly depressed