in western countries, major depression is by far the most common illness (Shorter 43).

Treatment for depression varies among health care providers, but the prescription of

antidepressants seems to be the most common remedy. Prozac and other selective

serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are being used to treat depression, panic disorder,

bulimia, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and many other illnesses. Prozac has become

the most common and best-selling antidepressant in the United States. It has been

prescribed for over twenty-one million people (Packard 18). Nonetheless, many of these

people are unnecessarily taking Prozac and it is doing them more harm than good.

There are many possible causes for depression, ranging from stress, physical and

emotional changes, crises, and chemical imbalance in the brain. There are also several

ways to treat depression such as therapy, a change in diet, and a regular exercise

program. The current trend is for doctors to immediately prescribe Prozac before

exploring the other treatment options. However, Prozac "was associated with more

the 'quick-fix' pill rather than discuss their problems (qtd. in "Warning"

Serotonin plays a complex part in the functioning of the body and brain. Researchers and

believed at first. A Flemish psychiatrist, Dr. Guido Peeters proposed that:

to double the level of cortisol. An elevated amount of cortisol impairs the development

finding it "hard to concentrate," both of which are things that all normal children

Internet. 3 May 1999. Available: http://www.drugawareness.org/

"It is well known in medical circles that you are more likely to prescribe a

walking into your doctor's office than you do getting behind the wheel of your car

Some common words found in the essay are:
Huffington Attention, Harmful Helpful, Prozac SSRIs, SSRIs Prozac, Talking Prozac, Prozac Emotional, Guido Peeters, People Prozac, Van Meerendonk, SSRIs Serotonin, 1999 available, serotonin syndrome, apr 1999, apr 1999 available, prozac children, internet 3 1999, adverse reactions, attention 1, prozac effective, huffington attention, taking prozac, huffington attention 1, 3 1999 available, internet 3, coalition drug awareness,
Approximate Word count = 1778
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)