{"id":2204083,"date":"2024-03-05T15:50:43","date_gmt":"2024-03-05T06:50:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2204083"},"modified":"2024-03-06T14:40:38","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T05:40:38","slug":"why-south-korea-is-experiencing-an-overprescription-of-antidepressants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/03\/why-south-korea-is-experiencing-an-overprescription-of-antidepressants\/","title":{"rendered":"Why South Korea is experiencing an overprescription of antidepressants"},"content":{"rendered":"
In South Korea, the conversation around mental health is becoming less taboo, with more people now willing to discuss and seek treatment for mental health issues, including the use of antidepressants.<\/span><\/p>\n However, this trend spotlights two primary concerns: the increasing reliance on medication for managing mental health and the strain on the country\u2019s mental health services infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand.<\/span><\/p>\n These issues are particularly pressing in the context of economic challenges and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly impacted the mental well-being of the population.<\/span><\/p>\n According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the <\/span>number<\/span><\/a> of people receiving treatment for depression in 2022 exceeded one million, a 33% increase since 2018. Spending on depression treatment also rose sharply, with a 60% increase from $252.2 million (336 billion won) to $403.8 million (538 billion won) in the same timeframe.<\/span><\/p>\n