London: British experts have expressed concern that most antidepressants are not only being misdiagnosed but are also being misused.
He made the remarks after taking a closer look at the major research into depression medication so far.
“We are not saying that depression should not be treated at all,” said Dr Mark Harwitz, a professor of psychiatry at University College London and in the latest issue of the Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin. He is also the lead author of this upcoming review article.
“In contrast, we want to tell psychiatrists to prescribe antidepressant medications in small doses and for a short period of time.” And pay more attention to patients with severe depression, ”explained Dr. Mark.
This analytical article examines the various and detailed investigations into depression medications, revealing a number of technical flaws.
For example, most of these investigations lasted 6 to 12 weeks, but after that the mental health of the patients was not monitored, so it was not known if these patients continued their anti-depressant medication later. What was the state of mind?
The authors of the analytical paper say that antidepressants (antidepressants) can do more harm than good in low-intensity depression.
It should be noted that most antidepressant medications are given for a short period of time for severe symptoms but patients continue to use them for many years.
It is also important to note that the use of antidepressants is increasing worldwide, but they are not having the effect that was claimed in the investigation.
Highlighting this point in a recent analytical article, experts have revealed that most research on antidepressant medications has exaggerated minor benefits, while underestimating their side effects.
Not only that, but in most of these investigations, after the use of antidepressant drugs, the general quality of life of the patients, ie the overall health of the body and mind, was not taken into consideration but the emphasis was on the outward symptoms of depression.
For example, 20% of patients who took SSRI medication to get rid of depression complained of drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive sweating, and weight gain throughout the day.
Twenty-five percent of patients reported experiencing sexual dysfunction, while 10 percent reported experiencing discomfort, sudden muscle cramps or tingling, nausea, constipation, cholera, and dizziness.
A long-term survey also found that 71% of those who took long-term antidepressants experienced emotional numbness, with 70% saying that they always felt overwhelmed and indifferent to the world around them. Yes, 66% mentioned sexual problems while 63% said they spent most of their time feeling drowsy.
This analytical study also raises questions about the tendency of young children to use antidepressants. So far there is no clear research on this but still the use of antidepressant drugs in young children, especially teenage girls is increasing.
In light of all this, experts say that doctors should be very careful when prescribing antidepressants, while paying special attention to both their harmful and beneficial effects.
“There is a need for longer, more careful and more comprehensive research on antidepressants so that they can be used properly,” said Dr Mark.
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