The overprescribing of psychiatric drugs is real and it is harmful

AI Briefing

• – Overprescribing of psychiatric drugs is harming young people, with increased usage associated with higher rates of disability pensions and mental health issues. The World Health Organisation and the United Nations have called for systematic mental health reform emphasizing psychosocial interventions. Studies have shown that antidepressants benefit only people with the severest depression, but not even in severe cases, and that the benefits are often outweighed by side effects.