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.