1990s
The introduction of Prozac in 1987 brought about massive change in the antidepressants industry. It was quickly followed by Pfizer’s Zoloft in 1991 and GlaxoSmithKline’s (formerly “SmithKline Beecham”) Paxil in 1992. All three were members of the new SSRI class, and it seemed as though SSRIs would be the huge breakthrough in depression treatment that was absent in previous decades (Fitzpatrick).
As sales skyrocketed in the 1990s, forms of psychotherapy used to treat depression became less popular. Drugs were easier, cheaper, and more accessible than psychotherapy, which requires patients to see trained psychotherapists. The use of antidepressants tripled in the early 1990s, while the choice in antidepressants also burgeoned. Another factor in the popularity of antidepressants over alternative treatment methods concerns insurance claims: while both antidepressants and psychotherapy have been proven effective, insurance companies are less likely to cover psychotherapy, as it requires longer medical visits and is a more involved process, as opposed to prescribing drugs (Rubin).
Data collected in 1987, 1997, and 2007 suggests that treatment for depression in the U.S. has increased only incrementally and in proportion to the growing population over those twenty years. However, this fact does not take into consideration the increasing use of drugs in the treatment process, following through to the 2000s (Rubin).
History of Antidepressants
References
Fitzpatrick, Laura. “A Brief History of Antidepressants.” Time Health. Time Magazine. 07 Jan 2010.
Rubin, Eugene. “How Many People Are Treated for Depression?” Psychology Today. 20 Jan 2011.
As sales skyrocketed in the 1990s, forms of psychotherapy used to treat depression became less popular. Drugs were easier, cheaper, and more accessible than psychotherapy, which requires patients to see trained psychotherapists. The use of antidepressants tripled in the early 1990s, while the choice in antidepressants also burgeoned. Another factor in the popularity of antidepressants over alternative treatment methods concerns insurance claims: while both antidepressants and psychotherapy have been proven effective, insurance companies are less likely to cover psychotherapy, as it requires longer medical visits and is a more involved process, as opposed to prescribing drugs (Rubin).
Data collected in 1987, 1997, and 2007 suggests that treatment for depression in the U.S. has increased only incrementally and in proportion to the growing population over those twenty years. However, this fact does not take into consideration the increasing use of drugs in the treatment process, following through to the 2000s (Rubin).
History of Antidepressants
References
Fitzpatrick, Laura. “A Brief History of Antidepressants.” Time Health. Time Magazine. 07 Jan 2010.
Rubin, Eugene. “How Many People Are Treated for Depression?” Psychology Today. 20 Jan 2011.
Conference
Every year, members of the Society get together for our annual conference. Read about speakers, ticket pricing, and the schedule of this year's events.
Life
In "Life," the history of assisted suicide and the controversy surrounding the issue are discussed.
Body
In "Body," the history and issues of Gender Identity Disorder are summarized.