According to CNN.com today - the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at 2.4 billion drugs prescribed in visits to doctors and hospitals in 2005. Of those, 118 million were for antidepressants.
Wait.....it gets better. They go on to say that the doctors think that is good news because it is a sign that Americans are more comfortable asking for help with their psychiatric problems.
Apparently antidepressant sales rose 48% between 1995 and 2002. Hmmm.......let's see Dubya was voted into office in 2000.........interesting. But.....I digress.
In this day and age, therapy is the hip thing to do. Hip.....but not cheap. I would imagine that along with all that advice there are a lot of prescriptions being handed out. So what does this say about us? I don't believe that the antidepressant statistic is one to be bragged about.
Now I am not saying that there are folks who have a truly legitimate need for such medication, I just have to wonder if there are truly 100 million of us out there. Is it simply a panacea or are we truly a depressed nation? Are there folks who need the medication or simply being medicated because its easier for the physician?
We live in an age where a doctors visit is like a trip to the local deli counter. Take a number from the machine and the doctor will see you in about 30 minutes. Quick in and quick out........ Rapid solutions for a rapid world.......Presto chango - here is your diagnosis......stop by Walgreens on your way home.........have a nice day.
For those of you wondering.......the second highest medication prescribed in the U.S. is for blood pressure medication. So perhaps there is a linkage to Dubya being in office after all........
Ta Ta!
2 comments:
As much as I do not like Mr. Bush, I find it rather harsh to blame this all on him and his administration.
Depression has many factors. My guess is that it starts in the family or the lack there of. Or maybe it is temporary as people deal with family issues. Maybe it is fear of losing a job or having just lost one. I really don't see what this has to do with whose President.
Let's talk about high blood pressure. It's about how we take care of our bodies. Do we eat right? Are we overweight? Do we get enough exercise? Do we take time to just sit back and relax? The root causes of HBP probably starts with the family too. I grew up eating HoHos and other "after school treats." I don't exercise like I should. I am too busy......working, dealing with family, etc.
I do agree that Doctors either don't want to deal with the root cause or, better yet, own stock in the manuafacturer of the drugs, but I find this one hard to pin on Bush.
It is easier for me to blame Dubya for things....even in jest....the harsh reality is that people are suffering and that awful statistic proves it.
My first girlfriend ended her bout with depression in 2001. I wish she was here today......
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