Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Are Rising SSRI Prescriptions Appropriate, or Too Frequent?
More people are being prescribed medicines called SSRIs for problems such as depression and anxiety.
Doctors say this can mean that people are getting help for conditions that were not recognized before.
But some worry that these medicines are sometimes given to people with mild problems who might benefit from talking therapy instead.
A doctor should carefully check a person's symptoms and health before recommending an SSRI.
The medicines can take a few weeks to work and may cause side effects.
People should not change or stop them suddenly without medical advice.
The right treatment depends on each person's needs, and may include counselling, lifestyle changes, medicine, or a combination.
Doctors say SSRI prescriptions have risen in India and worldwide, alongside greater awareness and access to mental health care.
Experts disagree on whether the rise mainly reflects improved diagnosis or includes some unnecessary prescribing for mild distress.
SSRIs are used for several conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders, after clinical evaluation.
Doctors say benefits can take two to six weeks; common side effects include nausea, headaches and sleep disturbances.
Psychiatrists advise against self-diagnosis or suddenly stopping or changing SSRIs without medical guidance.
- Who
- Psychiatrists and other doctors in India discuss rising SSRI prescriptions and appropriate use.
- What
- The article examines increased antidepressant use, potential overprescription, benefits, risks and treatment decisions.
- When
- The increase is described as occurring over the past few years, with stress and mental health concerns heightened during and after the pandemic.
- Where
- India, with comparisons to global trends and a cited American study.
- Why
- Greater mental health awareness, improved recognition and access to care are contributing to more prescriptions, while experts warn against medication without proper evaluation.
Reasons prescriptions are increasing
Concerns about prescribing too readily
What rising prescriptions indicate
Reasons prescriptions are increasing
Some psychiatrists say greater awareness, improved diagnosis and easier access to psychiatric care have helped more people receive appropriate treatment.
Concerns about prescribing too readily
Other experts say some people with mild anxiety or emotional distress may be prescribed medication without a clear diagnosis, when counselling or psychotherapy could be considered.
Medication as an initial treatment
Reasons prescriptions are increasing
SSRIs are recommended as first-line treatment for several common mental health conditions, especially when symptoms are moderate to severe, persistent or recurrent.
Concerns about prescribing too readily
Experts caution that limited access to therapists, short consultations and pressure for quick relief can make medication the first choice instead of part of a broader treatment plan.
- Medicines discussed
- SSRIs, including escitalopram, sertraline, paroxetine and fluoxetine
- Conditions mentioned
- Moderate to severe depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, panic disorder and, in some cases, PTSD
- Time to full benefit
- Typically two to six weeks
- Treatment after recovery
- Often continues for six months to a year; longer treatment may be recommended for some recurrent conditions
- Possible side effects
- Nausea, headaches, gastric irritation, sleep disturbances, appetite changes and sexual dysfunction
- Generic costs cited in India
- Monthly supplies were reported to cost Rs 15–Rs 30 for fluoxetine, Rs 20–Rs 40 for sertraline and Rs 25–Rs 50 for venlafaxine
- Study finding cited
- A 2023 American study reported increased risk of suicide attempts associated with SSRIs among people younger than 18 and those aged 18–24; it reported no difference between initiators and non-initiators with a history of suicidal behavior