The New York Times published an article in April discussing the rise of antidepressant use in Americans, as well as people in other countries, despite there being little to no research on long term use or possible withdrawal symptoms.
"Antidepressants were originally considered a short-term treatment for episodic mood problems, to be taken for six to nine months: enough to get through a crisis, and no more." However, "Long-term use of antidepressants is surging in the United States, according to a new analysis of federal data by The New York Times. Some 15.5 million Americans have been taking the medications for at least five years. The rate has almost doubled since 2010, and more than tripled since 2000."
Read the full article here: Many People Taking Antidepressants Discover They Cannot Quit
