Antidepressants in primary care: Is this how to treat depression?

Interesting article from the LA Times and follow-up video on YouTube..."Antidepressants are now the third most-prescribed medication by Primary Care Physicians in America."

Although the article and You Tube video is hardly flattering in terms of their criticism and suggestion that physicians are providing less-than adequate care by perhaps over-prescribing antidepressants to their patients for conditions other than clinical depression....however; this may also be a reflection of our current times [i.e., more Americans than ever are experiencing very high levels of stress due to the current state of the economy / loss of jobs / financial hardships and the toll it has taken on the American family].
Not that I agree with this practice or believe it should continue, but it may also reflect that Primary Care Physicians [PCP's] are merely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of patients presenting with symptoms of depression and it is far easier for the physician to just give the patient a script and send them on their way [rather than referring the patient for a thorough assessment with a Licensed Clinician or Psychiatrist who is trained in treating mental health disorders and can assess whether the patient may benefit from alternative forms of treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, behavior modification, stress management and stress awareness, change in diet and adhering to a healthy life style before medication / antidepressants are tried].
Regardless, I am glad that the Times did this article as this issue clearly needs more attention / discussion as depression is a serious medical condition; which requires frequent follow-up and collaboration of care between providers [e.g., Clinician, Psychiatrist, and PCP] on the patient's behalf.
Warm Regards,


Rich Schlauch, MSW, LISW-CP, LCSW
Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC
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