Anti-Depressant Drugs

Each year in the United States, 26.2 million people suffer from a diagnosed mental disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 6.7 percent of all Americans, or 14.8 million individuals, suffer from major depressive disorder, and another 1.5 percent suffer from dysthymic disorder, a form of chronic mild depression that exists for a period of more than two years. Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men. It is estimated that 10 percent of all Americans take prescription anti-depressants. While 80 percent of depression suffers receive relief of symptoms from medication, psychotherapy, and/or support groups, 50 percent of those with unsuccessful medication treatment will discontinue their medications due to unacceptable side effects and/or financial strain. It is estimated that ...