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Wonder Drug Essay

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The Wonder Drug

“One in eight persons needs treatment for depression during his or her lifetime” (Prozac.com). Prozac is claimed as the wonder drug cure for obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, bulimia, and panic disorder by fixing the imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Many documented cases have been made about side effects of Prozac and how it has negatively affected many of its users. Doctors need to have more responsibility and stricter guidelines for diagnosis of adolescent depression and should consider medication a last resort while pharmaceutical companies should develop a new youth-friendly antidepressant with fewer side effects. "Our greatest glory is not in ever falling, but in rising every time we …show more content…

The four treatment groups include Prozac, placebo, cognitive behavioral therapy, and Prozac in addition to CBT. The Treatment of Adolescent Suicide Attempters study is currently active and while no results have been posted, the overall outlook is hopeful. Teen suicide rates have dropped since the release of Prozac in 1988 (Sciencemag.org) which is an amazing feat, being able to save lives simply with a pill. The most success is achieved from a combination of medication and CBT, which utilizes behavioral and cognitive therapy as well as medication in order to prevent depressive thinking and behavior and learn new coping strategies and an enhanced outlook on life. Combining CBT with medication emphasizes to users that a pill isn’t the answer to their problems, but it is an effective tool in improving their life. Antidepressants should not be administered freely; there should be a recognized need, diagnosable by a qualified doctor, in order for medication to be prescribed. In place of medication, CBT should be administered despite its costly nature. A compromise must be made in order to allow depressed individuals to take control of their lives, while at the same time not have to depend on a substance to provide happiness and

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