The use of antidepressant drugs has doubled among Australians over the past 16 years.  But this is happening in the face of mounting evidence that the pills are not as effective as once thought.

Researchers from Orygen – the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne went through unpublished drug trials from pharmaceutical companies around the world, as well as existing, published research.  They found taking antidepressants alone was ineffective for up to 40 percent of patients.  And then it turned out that one in every 112 youth treated experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

"We are not arguing that people should stop taking their medication, or that the medications are being over-prescribed," said Dr. Christopher Davey, the study's lead author.  "But they are being used too often by themselves without considering other components and we point out that antidepressants are just one treatment among a number.  Unfortunately, the debate gets a bit polarized, with people arguing whether for or against medication, but it's not as simple as that," he added.

More than one in ten Australians use antidepressant drugs.  That's more than double the rate from ten years ago, and one of the highest rates in the world.