Why does the U.S. have more people on psych meds than any other country?

Question

i think it's because, to complain about -life being hard- has become something that a lot of people feel compassion for.

sorry-DO NOT go for it. but i could be wrong. what do YOU think?

Answer 1

We can't take responsibilty in this country. I have a nephew, who is an alcoholic, and his excuse is that he is "bi-polar". Pure BS. He is an example of the immature, blame anyone but me, generation that has risen in this country in the last few years.

We had no ADHD when I was in school. The "afflicted" kid was taken out into the hallway and paddled. HALLELUYAH! He was healed on the spot!

No drugs. No psychologist. Just someone saying "straighten your act up or a sore butt will be the outcome". It worked.

Satanic liberals have a different idea, and it clearly is not working. We now must deal with a generation of drug-addicted youth who have no idea of "right or wrong".

Good question. But, what do we do about it?

Answer 2

John H said it politely.

Answer 3

After reading some answers, none were mentioned that maybe it's a straight money thing? Pharms are BIG BUSINESS after all, (and I'm not sure how national healthcare services work in other countries exactly when it comes to prescriptions or brand-name prescriptions??) so if the doctors are more inclined to write prescriptions instead of seeking other methods, they might just do that. After all, they could have connections to the pharmaceutical companies through stocks(?). Drug companies put a lot on the line for doctors by having catered meals to their office, free samples, trips, golfing, etc. to convince them that their product is the best solution...

Answer 4

You make a good point. There is something crazy about that fact!

Still, thank God psych meds have been invented!

I thank God I live in peace, here in Canada, where we stayed out of the second Iraq war, and we have universal health care coverage, so counselling is available for the asking, and you do not have to drug yourself to get through the day.

For my money, this is the best place to live!

Americans strike me as a bit "workaholic", and it shows in their need for psych meds.

I love Americans, and I married a US citizen, but we live in peace, in Canada, where we have a multi-cultural attitude, and a racial "mozaic" instead of a forcing minorities into a "melting pot".

Answer 5

Basically, most Americans have accepted the idea that everything has a biological cause. (Read we're not really responsible for what we do.) The first major hurdle was alcoholism, which became a "disease" in our culture. You're not irresponsible or self-centered, you have a disease.

If all the problems in our lives have a biological cause, they can be cured with a pill. The worst part is that there are currently about 5 million children on psychiatric drugs.

And these kids will grow up (sort of) and give pills to their kids, on and on. It's incredibly sad.

EDIT: John H, I think there is definitely an element of pharma greed involved. Good point.

Answer 6

I heard that Oakland County (in Michigan) has the highest rate of people on anti-depressants. Not sure how true that is though.

Answer 7

Really, Its because we are a wealthy nation and can afford to be psycho and take meds for it. If we were a poor nation we would be too busy scrambling to eek out a living to be so narcissistic.

Also our Idols/Heroes (Hollywood, sports figures etc) take them and we want to emulate our Idols/Heroes.

And please people I'm using the we in a general sense. Do not send me hate mail saying you don't do it.

Answer 8

People here want the quick fix. Just take a pill and you are all better. Never actually work on the problems that make you depressed.