Over 10% of the US population use antidepressants each year, according to a recent study.   Researchers at the National Center for Health Statistics*, also found that antidepressant use rose nearly 400% between approximate years of 1998-2008.

Clearly antidepressants can be over-prescribed.  Doctors may rush to treatment  when they hear complaints of  “I’ve been feeling a bit depressed lately”.  Visits to the doctor tend to brief encounters and quick answers may appear necessary.  It takes a little longer to explain that talking therapy or better self-care may be the better choice for relieving sad and worried moods.

On the other hand, many people who could benefit from medication are not getting the help they need.  This can lead to job loss, broken relationships, and social isolation.  Some people refuse to see the problem.  Others refuse to consider medication as a solution.

Yes, there a lot of people taking medications.  Some should be using psychotherapy, exercise, or another health-promoting alternative instead.  Still many others should recognize that the brain develops chemical imbalance just like any other body part and consider medication. Most people using antidepressants have been properly diagnosed with some form of depression or anxiety disorder.  These people should continue using antidepressants under the care of a medical professional.

So yes, antidepressant medications are over-prescribed.  But they are also under-prescribed.  A thoughtful discussion with a psychiatrist or other mental health professional can usually identify who is who and what is what is this dilemma.

* National Center for Health Statistics.  Health, United States, 2010.  Hyattsville, MD. 2011.