Depression in Modern Society

Paper Summary:

This paper examines depression as stemming from the highly stressful, intensely competitive nature of modern society. It points out that the physical, mental, and social state of well-being of millions of people is being harmed because of the destructive aspects of the natural, social, built, and economic spheres in which they live. The paper particularly examines the problems surrounding the increasing use of anti-depressants to treat depression, such as dependence, abuse, the drugs' possible harmful side effects, and exploitation by drug companies. The paper concludes that too many people turn to "wonder drugs" for help when they cannot deal with the emotional and psychological stress induced by society.

From the Paper:

"In recent years, depression in young adults has been increasingly treated with prescription drug anti-depressants such as Prozac and Paxil. The increasing use of these prescription antidepressant drugs has several implications, for recent studies have shown that more than twenty percent of young adults in the general population have emotional problems and one-third of young adults attending psychiatric clinics suffer from depression. Just as troubling, depression in this age group is greatly under-diagnosed, which presents even more implications."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Baum, Dan. 1997. Smoke and Mirrors: The War on Drugs and the Politics of Failure. New York: Little, Brown, and Company.
• Beauchamp, Dan. 1996. Health Care Reform and the Battle for the Body Politic. Philadelphia: Temple University Press.
• Drucker, Dr. Ernest. January/February 1998. "Drug Prohibition and Public Health." In Public Health Reports, U.S. Public Health Service. Vol. 114.
• "FDA Public Health Advisory." March 22, 2004. FDA. Food and Drug Administration. Online. Available: http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/2004-03-22-FDA-SSRI-warning.htm. 2 March 2007.
• Kindig, David. 1996. Understanding Universal Health Programs: Issues and Options. Washington D.C.: Health Administration Press.

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