Antidepressant Use in Southern Cyprus Soars, Doubles in Five Years
Antidepressant use has doubled in five years in Southern Cyprus, with the Health Insurance Organization (HIO) reporting an increase from 33,470 users in 2019 to 64,611 in 2023.
The Cyprus Mail attributes this rise to the inclusion of antidepressants in the General Health System (GESY) in March 2020, leading to a 51 percent increase in users in 2020 compared to 2019.
The figures, however, only account for state and GESY prescriptions, excluding those from private doctors, which may mean the actual number is higher.
Clinical Psychologist Anna Papetta suggests that the real number of users could be double the reported figure, as antidepressants are now prescribed for a wide range of mental health issues, not just depression. She notes an increase in societal stress and anxiety, partly due to reduced social interaction and increased technology use since Covid-19.
Evangelos Orphanides estimates that 5 to 10 percent of the population may be taking antidepressants. While effective in many cases, doctors caution against relying solely on medication, advocating for it to be combined with psychotherapy or alternative methods.
The rising use of antidepressants may reflect both an increase in mental health issues and greater awareness and help-seeking behavior.
