Twelve (12) Percent of Americans older than 12 Take Antidepressant Medicine and Women Are 250% More Likely To Take Them then Men

Millions of Americans Take Anti Depression Medicine

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Antidepressants were the third most common prescription drug taken by Americans of all ages in 2005–2008 and the most frequently used by persons aged 18–44 years . From 1988–1994 through 2005–2008, the rate of antidepressant use in the United States among all ages increased nearly 400% . The CDC released a NCHC data brief about the pattern of how Americans take anti-depression medication. The brief discusses all antidepressants taken, regardless of the reason for use. While the majority of antidepressants are taken to treat depression, antidepressants also can be taken to treat anxiety disorders, for example. The report describes antidepressant use among Americans aged 12 and over, including prevalence of use by age, sex, race and ethnicity, income, depression severity, and length of use.

Antidepressant Use in Persons Aged 12 and Over: United States, 2005–2008