From Financialexpress · Sreya Deb · · 1m 50s
Antidepressants: Too Many or Progress?
SSRIs prescribed for everyday stress in India may be overused, but access to affordable generics shows mental health progress.
In brief
SSRIs prescribed for everyday stress in India may be overused, but access to affordable generics shows mental health progress. India's rising SSRI prescriptions reflect better mental health awareness but risk overprescription for mild cases without proper diagnosis. Originally reported by Financialexpress.
SSRIs in India
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are among the most-prescribed psychiatric drugs in India.
Prescription Trends
Doctors note a gradual increase in SSRI prescriptions over recent years due to better mental health awareness and access to care.
Dr Monica Chib
Dr Monica Chib, senior consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, says increased prescriptions reflect timely diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Saurabh Mehrotra
Dr Saurabh Mehrotra, director at Medanta Gurugram, states SSRIs are first-line treatment for many mental health conditions globally and in India.
Affordable Generics
Indian companies produce affordable generic antidepressants like fluoxetine, sertraline, and escitalopram costing Rs 15-30 per month.
SSRI Safety
SSRIs require two to six weeks to show full benefits and are generally safe when used with proper medical guidance.
Side Effects
Common side effects include nausea, headaches, sleep issues, and sexual dysfunction during initial treatment weeks.
Overprescription Concerns
Doctors warn that some patients with mild anxiety receive SSRIs without proper diagnosis, especially post-pandemic.
Suicide Risk Study
A 2023 American study found SSRIs increase suicide attempts threefold for those under 18 and up to twofold for ages 18-24.
Diagnosis Standards
Doctors use WHO ICD-11 and DSM-5 criteria to diagnose mental health conditions before prescribing SSRIs.
Treatment Balance
For mild cases, psychotherapy is preferred; SSRIs are for moderate to severe symptoms or recurrent conditions.
Conclusion
Increased prescriptions show mental health progress but require careful diagnosis to avoid overprescription for everyday stress.
What to remember
India's rising SSRI prescriptions reflect better mental health awareness but risk overprescription for mild cases without proper diagnosis.
