The Journal. Is America on Too Many Psychiatric Drugs?
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Dec 3, 2025 
Betsy McKay, a Senior writer at The Wall Street Journal, and Investigative reporter Shalini Ramachandran delve into the alarming long-term use of psychiatric medications, particularly benzodiazepines and antidepressants. They reveal how these drugs, meant for short-term relief, are often prescribed for years, leading to severe side effects and challenging withdrawal experiences. The duo discusses the troubling trend of overmedication in America, the lack of long-term studies on antidepressants, and the necessity for better informed consent in psychiatric care.
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Executive's Costly Benzo Ordeal
- An executive was routinely prescribed Ativan for insomnia and later suffered severe benzodiazepine withdrawal.
- He spent over $100,000 on treatment before finding effective help and eventually recovered.
Benzos Are Effective But Intended Short-Term
- Benzodiazepines mimic GABA to calm the nervous system and are highly effective short term.
- Medical guidelines recommend use for only two to four weeks, yet many patients stay on them for years.
Mother's Traumatic Xanax Withdrawal
- A mother of five on Xanax for two years developed memory loss, panic attacks, and agonizing withdrawal that left her unable to shower.
- She wrote her daughter a note fearing she might die during the taper.
