Are too many Americans taking antidepressants?

Rates of anxiety and depression have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, and so have prescriptions for antidepressants. In the United States, roughly one in six adults take antidepressants. Health researchers and advocates have expressed concerns that too many patients are on antidepressants and that those who wish to discontinue them may face challenges.

One prominent voice in this debate is Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who launched an initiative in May 2026 urging doctors to explore alternative methods of treating depression when possible.

As a psychiatrist for over three decades, the author has witnessed both the benefits and issues associated with antidepressants. While acknowledging that there are valid concerns about overuse, the author emphasizes that the situation is more complex than a simple overprescription problem. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant, were approved in 1987.

While these drugs can be beneficial for moderate to severe depression, they are not typically recommended for mild cases, as side effects may outweigh potential benefits.

However, the distinction between mild and severe symptoms can be blurred. In casual conversation, the term "depression" is often used to describe a wide range of emotions, from feeling down to a serious clinical condition that requires treatment. Primary care providers routinely screen patients for depression using a standardized questionnaire. While this tool can be useful in identifying patients who may need further testing or treatment, it can also be misinterpreted, leading to unnecessary medication prescriptions.

In many cases, antidepressants are prescribed by primary care providers rather than psychiatrists. These clinicians often have limited time to evaluate mental health concerns and less access to alternative treatments beyond medication, such as therapy. Primary care clinics that collaborate with behavioral health specialists and psychiatrists tend to provide better care and more treatment options for their patients.

The author recalls his father, a general practitioner, who noted that half of his patients' problems were related to mental health issues, and he lacked the resources to help them. Nowadays, primary care providers receive more mental health training and are better equipped to recommend lifestyle changes that can be particularly helpful for people with less severe depression symptoms.

However, the author notes that the convenience and stigma associated with medication often lead patients to choose this route over other, more involved treatments.

The increase in antidepressant prescriptions since 2020 can be attributed to several factors, including heightened anxiety and depression rates, particularly among adolescents and young adults, and the ease of accessing mental health treatment through telehealth during the pandemic. Despite these improvements, many Americans with serious depression still receive little or no treatment.

The author argues that while there may be instances of overprescription, the broader issue reflects systemic problems within the U.S. healthcare system, as many people with mild depression may not benefit from medication and could be better served by alternative treatments.