“Over-Prescribed”

Ronald W. Pies, MD, in a commentary, tells us why he does not believe the US is a "Prozac Nation." His commentary is another of many over the controversial use of antidepressants.

Pies concludes:

Indeed, the “story behind the story” is the poor access to specialized mental health treatment for depression in the US.5,11 As Dr González observed in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, “Few Americans with depression actually get any kind of care, and even fewer get care consistent with the [best practice] standards of care.”11 And therein lies the real failing of American mental health care: not the over-prescription of antidepressants—though it happens—but the under-availability of optimal treatment.12

The discussion I found useful simply because it brought to light more issues that affect the debate. The greater benefit to those with depression is the affirmation that the treatment we receive must get better and reach more sufferers.

Thank you for this, glok! Very interesting read

I think the large increase in prescribing is due to reduced stigma over the decades and more people getting help. Traditionally people with mental illness were with family with no help or institutionalized. My great grand father was never diagnosed or got help and he committed suicide.

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