Article externe

Are too many Americans taking antidepressants?

<name>Andrew McLean, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of North Dakota</name> <foaf:homepage rdf:resource="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andrew-mclean-2706190"/>· 10 septembre 2026

Rates of anxiety and depression have grown since the COVID-19 pandemic – as have prescriptions for antidepressants. brizmaker/iStock via Getty Images Plus Drugs for treating depression are among the most prescribed category of medications in the U.S. – 1 in 6 American adults take them . Some health…

Résumé

Antidepressants widely prescribed

Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S., with 1 in 6 American adults taking them.

Over half of these prescriptions are for a type of drug called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which includes well-known medications like Prozac (fluoxetine).

SSRIs were first approved in 1987, and several variations now exist.

While these drugs can be effective for moderate to severe depression, they are typically not recommended for mild depression due to potential side effects that may outweigh benefits.

Mild depression often responds better to non-medication treatments, such as therapy or lifestyle changes.

However, the line between mild and severe depression is not always clear, leading to potential overprescription.

Lire l'analyse complète en 6 points →

Lire l'article