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Massive overuse or appropriate medical intervention? The modern-day use of antidepressants

2012; Elsevier BV; Volume: 12; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.coph.2011.12.001

1471-4973

David Nutt,

Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout

Antidepressants have a peculiar place in the public mind. Almost every family in the UK will have someone taking these drugs; yet, the media are often very hostile to them with disparaging terms such as ‘happy pills’ used to cast aspersions on their efficacy and utility [1]. Moreover, claims that they may cause suicidal ideation particularly in young people have led to warning labels in the USA. Yet, despite the repeated media criticism, the use of antidepressants continues to be widespread. So, what are the reasons for this?