Interesting Statistics and Facts About Anti-Depressant Use in the US
Antidepressants are given to patients suffering from a variety of depression and anxiety issues that are so deep rooted they require medication to regulate. Here are a few facts and statistics about the use of anti-depressants.
The rate of Americans who use anti-depressants has doubled since 1996.
Women are 2 times more likely to use anti-depressants than men.
Antidepressants are most commonly prescribed for adults between the ages of 50 and 64.
Roughly 18.8 million US citizens are suffering the effects of depressive and anxiety disorders.
As many as 4% of preschoolers are now considered to be clinically depressed and are being given anti-depressants for treatment.
While it’s thought that anti-depressants help by helping to regulate the level of serotonin and other chemicals in the brain, the truth is the reason these drugs work isn’t actually clearly defined.
Children and adolescents who take anti-depressants are more prone to suicidal and depressive thinking.
Eating Disorders can and often are, treated with anti-depressants.
People under the age of 24 are most likely to experience suicidal thoughts while on anti-depressants.
There are studies that find the risk of developing breast cancer is higher for women who take anti-depressants.