Let's Make This More Concrete

As a BASIS student, I cannot escape the fact that I am a junkie for numbers, just like my peers. For that reason, though I cannot stress enough that statistics cannot reflect the individual's experience with depression and antidepressants, I'd like to share some statistics anyway.

According to one site, "over 15 million people in the United States [are] suffering from depression." Furthermore, this is an epidemic condition that affects children as well as adults. Another site claims that "pre-schoolers are the fastest-growing market for antidepressants. At least four percent of preschoolers -- over a million -- are clinically depressed." The risk for depression increases in women, the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Why does there seem to be such a tendency in psychiatry to prescribe antidepressants often and to not let them go away? The answer is simple: depression isn't going anywhere. According to UpliftProgram.com, "depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by 2020 -- and studies show depression is a contributory factor to fatal coronary disease." That's right. It will be a killer. Depression is often viewed by society as more within the control of the patient but we cannot allow lives to be lost while we blame people for being sad. This condition needs to be taken seriously. It does produce negative health effects including a weakened immune system. The prevalence of severe depression is no secret. According to indepression.com, "2 out of every 3 people who commit suicide already talk about it to friends or family."

Antidepressants can cause side effects increasing suicide attempts but they can also help those who are drowning in suicidal thoughts come up for air. It may seem like a risky paradox. It may seem like psychiatrists should be more cautious about who they prescribe these pills to but there can be no question that some people genuinely need the prescription. In fact, based on the statistics I have found, "80% of depressed people are not currently having any treatment." So while I cannot claim that these drugs are perfect, I think I can make the argument that they are better than nothing. "Antidepressants work for 35 to 45% of the depressed population" and no, that is not enough but like I've said before, the numbers mean little to the individual. Our treatment methods are inadequate. I came into this project skeptical of antidepressants and as the conclusion of the third trimester of school draws nearer, I find that overall, depression is not being treated effectively, whether drugs are administered or not.

Teen Depression Graph. Digital image. Web. 13 Apr. 2012. <http://www.at-risk.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/teens-with-mde.jpg>.


"Depression Statistics." Web. 13 Apr. 2012. <http://www.indepression.com/depression-statistics.html>.

"Depression Fact Sheet: Depression Statistics and Depression Causes." Depression Solutions with the Uplift Program: Depression Self Help, Relationship Help, Depression and Anxiety Resources, Treatment and Information. Web. 13 Apr. 2012. <http://www.upliftprogram.com/depression_stats.html>.


"Depression Statistics." Depression Statistics. Web. 13 Apr. 2012. <http://www.depressionstatistics.org/>.