Story perspectives

Study Reveals Misconception Behind Long-Term Antidepressant Use

4/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study in the Journal of Affective Disorders finds people who attribute depression or anxiety to a chemical imbalance use antidepressants longer than those who view symptoms as life events.
Pharmaceutical marketing since the 1990s promoted the idea that emotional distress stems from serotonin deficiencies.
As a result, antidepressant prescriptions surged in the United States and United Kingdom.
Experts say many long-term users may not need ongoing treatment.

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Story summary

A study in the Journal of Affective Disorders finds people who attribute depression or anxiety to a chemical imbalance use antidepressants longer than those who view symptoms as life events.
Pharmaceutical marketing since the 1990s promoted the idea that emotional distress stems from serotonin deficiencies.
As a result, antidepressant prescriptions surged in the United States and United Kingdom.
Experts say many long-term users may not need ongoing treatment.