In your opinion, why are so many people on anti-depressants anymore?

Question

And most are still a grump!

Answer 1

Because the pharmaceutical industry is extremely powerful and seduces physicians into over-prescribing them. This is easy to do because people go to their physicians hoping for a quick fix. But really, it's all about the $$ that is made by the drug companies. A recent meta-analytic study found that drugs for depression are no better than placebo. That basically means that they work because people think they are going to work.

Answer 2

because they are constantly being told that they are not well/normal. (tv, magazines, etc..)

Answer 3

This is from a wonderful read.

"Let us beware of defining mental hygiene as the prevention of increasing mental sicknesses' symptoms. Symptoms are not our enemy, but our friend; where there are symptoms there is conflict, and conflict always indicates that the forces of life which strive for integration and happiness are still fighting.

The really hopeless victims of mental illness are to be found among those who appear to be most normal. Many of them are normal because they are so well adjusted to our mode of existence, because their human voice has been silenced so early in their lives, that they do not even struggle or suffer or develop symptoms as the neurotic does.

They are not normal in what may be called the absolute sense of the word; they are normal only in relation to a profoundly abnormal society. Their perfect adjustment to that abnormal society is a measure of their mental sickness.

These millions of abnormally normal people, living without fuss in a society to which, if they were fully human beings, they ought not to be adjusted, still cherish the "illusion of individuality," but in fact they have been to a great extent deindividualized. Their conformity is developing into something like uniformity. But uniformity and freedom are incompatible. Uniformity and mental health are incompatible too... Man is not made to be an automaton, and if he becomes one, the basis for mental health is destroyed."

Answer 4

I'm not sure that there is just one reason to answer this question.

At times, I think that anti-depressants are being over prescribed to patients. Some doctors may see anti-depressants as a cure all pill with out exploring other therapies or techniques.

Another reason could be that people are more open about their personal problems. Some may be more willing to express personal symptoms and visit doctors than in the past.

Answer 5

Look around .. This can be a depressing place.

Answer 6

modern life involves a lot of pressure.......

and it changes phase to phase,,,,,,,

for a student, he/she is continuously hammered by studies and professors parents......

career worries leads to depression

the most worst form is of loneliness.   (i'm facing a lot it  and its terrible),..

for working people, they constantly have worries about boss being rude ....   family and finance matters also affect their minds ....

some people are alloted work par from their capacity........

and due to that tension, they work at their best and get tired and sleepy

anti depressants such as modafinil delay the sleep and make the CNS more relaxed....

however the side effects are dangerous....

these all problems lead to the use of anti depressants....

people consume them as they think they solve their problems.........   but they actually disrupt their lives.....  its a temporary solution....

anti depressants could land them in coma or other serious conditions.........

they should be advised not to challenege with the default biological cycle

Answer 7

I think there are several reasons.  More people are finally seeing their doctors about how they're feeling, there isn't the same social stigma associated with depression as there used to be, and there are more and better medications available to treat depression.  As far as still being grumpy....lol, well, I'd say there are plenty of grumps with or without medication.