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US researchers say that more than two-thirds of people prescribed anti-depressants may not have depression.

The Daily Mail reports that the study looked at use of a class of anti-depressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – which is the type of antidepressant most commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions, as they have fewer side effects compared with other classes of anti-depressant medication.

The study involved examining data from the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) Study Wave 1, which began in 1981 and lasted up to Wave 4, ending in 2005.

The researchers examined data on 1,071 participants, as well as carrying out four interviews and assessing the use of anti-depressants.

The team found that 13% of people in the group reported taking anti-depressants.

The researchers then assessed whether the people in this group met the criteria for having a mental disorder under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – the US “bible” for psychiatric conditions.

US official guidelines for diagnosing depression state say clinical depression should be diagnosed if a person has five or more depressive symptoms over a two-week period for most of the day, nearly every day.

The symptoms taken into account in a diagnosis for clinical depression include a depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, weight loss, weight gain or changes in appetite, insomnia or increased desire to sleep.

In the latest US study, it was discovered that 38% of patients prescribed SSRIs did not meet the criteria for having a mental health condition – and 69% did not meet the criteria for having a major depressive disorder.

The results of the US study follow research which suggests that mothers who take anti-depressants during pregnancy are more likely to have a child with autism or with developmental disabilities.

Some anti-depressants have also been found to double the risk of a mental health patient committing suicide – especially if the medication is stopped suddenly or is not taken regularly as prescribed. The drugs involved include commonly prescribed drugs like Seroxat and Prozac.

The latest study is published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

The researchers say:

“Our data indicates that anti-depressants are commonly used in the absence of clear evidence-based indications.”

Commenting on the findings, the medical director of the Addiction Consultation Service at Montefiore Medical Center, Dr Howard Forman, said that symptoms of depression and clinical depression were different from feelings of temporary sadness.

Speaking to the publication Medical Daily, Dr Forman said:

“We all experience periods of stress, periods of sadness and periods of self-doubt. These don’t make us mentally ill – they define us as human.”

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of mental health services and our mental health solicitors regularly visit hospitals and police stations to advise on mental health law, including detention under the Mental Health Act.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our mental health team is available at short-notice for appointments across the country.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient.

For expert help with mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors’ Helpline on 0203 114 1124.