5 ms·

I'm a bit nervous about these articles clearly centred on the USA which seems to have an epidemic of private drug companies pushing all kinds of stuff via docto

I'm a bit nervous about these articles clearly centred on the USA which seems to have an epidemic of private drug companies pushing all kinds of stuff via doctors who may or may not be getting backhanders to push certian drugs. I'm not saying this isn't partially true in Europe but the USA definitely comes across as choosing drugs as the first resort for many things that you wouldn't in Europe. Also, as many have found out, Prozac is cheaper than therapy or CBT which is what some people might benefit from to actually help them resolve the vicious circle of depression.

elzbardico 4y ago
Sadly, while this is more rampant in the US, it happens in other places too.
_visgean 4y ago
Here are some OECD stats: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_antidepressant_consumption https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_antidepre... here is that data with US included: https://www.businessinsider.com/countries-largest-antidepressant-drug-users-2016-2?r=US&IR=T https://www.businessinsider.com/countries-largest-antidepres... (tho i am not sure i would trust BI with anything..) Certainly seems relevant to quite a few european countries. And even more relevant to developing countries to not follow us in that way..
chrisseaton 4y ago
> pushing all kinds of stuff via doctors And also pushing directly to the consumer via commercial advertising, which is very unusual. Not sure which way is right though. Maybe people have a right to know about which drugs are available, unscreened by a doctor who may not have your best interests in mind (for example they have to meet a budget, or they have religious opinions.)
- Auracle 4y ago
  I’ve always thought the fact that there are commercials for cancer drugs is very telling. Surely your oncologist will put you on what’s best, right? I’ve never had cancer but my experience with plenty of other doctors points the other way, and that they wouldn’t be spending money on those commercials if they didn’t get a return from them.
  - chrisseaton 4y ago
    > Surely your oncologist will put you on what’s best, right? No - best case scenario is they'll put you on the best that their budget and policy allows them to in your particular region. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postcode_lottery https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postcode_lottery https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/2700686/Healthcare-postcode-lottery-means-patients-losing-out-on-cancer-treatments.html https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/2700686/Healthcare-p...
lm28469 4y ago
> I'm a bit nervous about these articles clearly centred on the USA which seems to have an epidemic of private drug companies pushing all kinds of stuff via doctors who may or may not be getting backhanders to push certian drugs. It's not only in the US, France as an antidepressant epidemic, studies have shown anywhere from 30% to 60% of people taking them don't actually need them. They're prescribed too easily. Are they a good tools: yes Do they work: yes Are they abused: yes

elzbardico 4y ago

Sadly, while this is more rampant in the US, it happens in other places too.

_visgean 4y ago

Here are some OECD stats: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_antidepressant_consumption https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_antidepre... here is that data with US included: https://www.businessinsider.com/countries-largest-antidepressant-drug-users-2016-2?r=US&IR=T https://www.businessinsider.com/countries-largest-antidepres... (tho i am not sure i would trust BI with anything..) Certainly seems relevant to quite a few european countries. And even more relevant to developing countries to not follow us in that way..

chrisseaton 4y ago

> pushing all kinds of stuff via doctors And also pushing directly to the consumer via commercial advertising, which is very unusual. Not sure which way is right though. Maybe people have a right to know about which drugs are available, unscreened by a doctor who may not have your best interests in mind (for example they have to meet a budget, or they have religious opinions.)

Auracle 4y ago
I’ve always thought the fact that there are commercials for cancer drugs is very telling. Surely your oncologist will put you on what’s best, right? I’ve never had cancer but my experience with plenty of other doctors points the other way, and that they wouldn’t be spending money on those commercials if they didn’t get a return from them.
- chrisseaton 4y ago
  > Surely your oncologist will put you on what’s best, right? No - best case scenario is they'll put you on the best that their budget and policy allows them to in your particular region. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postcode_lottery https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postcode_lottery https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/2700686/Healthcare-postcode-lottery-means-patients-losing-out-on-cancer-treatments.html https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/2700686/Healthcare-p...

lm28469 4y ago

> I'm a bit nervous about these articles clearly centred on the USA which seems to have an epidemic of private drug companies pushing all kinds of stuff via doctors who may or may not be getting backhanders to push certian drugs. It's not only in the US, France as an antidepressant epidemic, studies have shown anywhere from 30% to 60% of people taking them don't actually need them. They're prescribed too easily. Are they a good tools: yes Do they work: yes Are they abused: yes