WebMD Medical News Laura J. Martin, MD Oct. 19, 2011 -- About
11% of Americans aged 12 or older take antidepressants,
including many who have not seen a mental health professional in
the past year, according to a new federal report. The report by
the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics also says that
the rate of antidepressant use in the U.S. has increased nearly
400% since 1988. Among key findings in the study: More than a
third of females and less than a fifth of males with moderate
symptoms of depression take medications to treat their mood
problems, according to the report. Females are 2.5 times more
likely than males to take antidepressants, but there is no
difference by sex in rates of use of antidepressants among
people between 12 and 17. The study shows that 23% of women
between 40 and 59 take antidepressants, more than in any other
age-sex group. Males and females aged 40 and over are more
likely than younger people to take antidepressants. The
researchers say it is important for people who h