Are some countries more “depressed” than others? Yes, estimates a new survey released by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The Our World in Data site has just released the number of prescriptions issued for antidepressants in 22 countries and the results… are rather edifying!
Antidepressants: Iceland takes first place on the podium
Surprise: Iceland tops the list of countries with 161.1 antidepressants per 1,000 inhabitants, the equivalent of one user in six.
The country’s climatic conditions – known for its prolonged darkness during the winter months – can indeed be difficult to endure. OECD experts believe that these results can be explained by “low drug prices“, displayed in the country.
Next come Portugal and Canada, with respectively 139 and 130 prescriptions per 1000 inhabitants.
The United States also has a dismal prescription rate – 110 per 1000 inhabitants – which places it in fifth place. The UK follows closely in seventh place, with 108 prescriptions per 1,000 Britons.
As for Europe, it climbs to 17th place, behind Norway and Central Europe.
Finally, South Korea occupies last place, with 27 prescriptions per 1000 inhabitants.
Antidepressants: what dose should not be exceeded?
The dose varies depending on the patient’s level of depression and the doctor’s orders. But the duration of treatment must last at least 4 to 6 months.
“Unlike anxiolytics or sleeping pills, the vast majority of antidepressants are not addictive and it is very important not to stop treatment without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. Untimely stopping exposes you to a significant risk of relapse: the duration of treatment is rarely less than 4 months. recalls the Vidal site in this regard.
