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The Use Of Antidepressants Has Increased Over Time

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The argument regarding the use of antidepressants has been increasing over time. With our lives more stressed than ever, the age in which they are being prescribed also become younger. As a society where ‘there is a pill for that’, have we completely ignored traditional medicine? Are we setting the youth up for failure for not addressing the underlining problem, or is the answer upping the legal age of the use? The answer is yes, we are essentially setting our kids up for an unsure future. With the uncertainty of these prescriptions, we allow their minds and bodies to be exploited for financial gain by the top rated pharmaceutical companies. Many waver at the thought of turning to prescription pills when diagnosed with any illness. However, it seems as if when it comes to minors and depression the first step taken by the parents is to sign their child up for antidepressants. “Minors who cannot legally consent to treatment must still give their assent; hence, it is an agreement though not with the legal status of ‘informed consent’ (Koelch). Before adults receive any form of medicine, they must provide consent. Why is the same rule not applied to minors? Truthfully, minors might not even be aware of what they are taking, which brings the ethics of the parent and doctor into question. The next level of concern arises with what exactly is being given out. While many pharmaceutical companies swear by their products, it is easy to forget that at the end of the day they are

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