Current antidepressant prescribing patterns show 17% of the population receiving these medications, with clinical evidence suggesting only one in seven patients derives meaningful benefit from treatment. The number needed to treat (NNT) of seven indicates that for every patient who experiences clinically significant improvement, six receive no therapeutic advantage beyond placebo effects. This prescribing prevalence represents a substantial increase from previous decades, raising questions about diagnostic thresholds and treatment protocols. The persistence of high prescription rates despite limited efficacy data reflects broader challenges in mental health care delivery. Primary care physicians often face time constraints that favor pharmaceutical interventions over comprehensive psychological assessment or therapy referrals. Additionally, patient expectations and pharmaceutical marketing have normalized antidepressant use for conditions that might respond better to lifestyle interventions, psychotherapy, or social support systems. The disparity between prescription volume and demonstrated efficacy suggests many patients may be receiving medications unlikely to provide meaningful symptom relief, while potentially experiencing side effects including sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and withdrawal difficulties upon discontinuation.