Drug ads encourage unnecessary prescriptions for depression, study says

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An unorthodox study conducted between May 2003 and May 2004 claims that television commercials have an effect on the way doctors prescribe anti-depression medication. In the study, 152 actors attended doctor's appointments complaining of false symptoms. After the "patients" mentioned anti-depression medication Paxil, though, doctors prescribed the drug to 55 percent, and diagnosed 50 percent with depression.

Critics of Paxil and other anti-depression drugs say that commercials encourage people suffering from depression to turn to medication, rather than seeking treatment. The United States is one of few industrialized nations that allows drug companies to advertise on television, and many physicians are skeptical of such marketing techniques.

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About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health researcher and author with a passion for sharing empowering information to help improve personal and planetary health He is a prolific writer and has published thousands of articles, interviews, reports and consumer guides, impacting the lives of millions of readers around the world who are experiencing phenomenal health benefits from reading his articles. Adams is an independent journalist with strong ethics who does not get paid to write articles about any product or company. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a maker of energy efficient LED lights that greatly reduce CO2 emissions. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also a noted pioneer in the email marketing software industry, having been the first to launch an HTML email newsletter technology that has grown to become a standard in the industry. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and enjoys outdoor activities, nature photography, Pilates and adult gymnastics. Known by his callsign, the 'Health Ranger,' Adams posts his missions statements, health statistics and health photos at www.HealthRanger.org


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