Antidepressant Use Increases Before Divorce

 Posted on September 23, 2013 in Divorce

The impacts of going through a divorce can have tremendous mental and physical impacts on all of the people involved. A recent study by researchers in Finland has found that the use of antidepressants increases right before a divorce. The study explored both males and females who ended up divorced, and they found that the use of anxiety pills, antidepressants, and other psychotropic drugs would "peak" several months before the actual divorce date.

Four years prior to the date of the divorce was the typical start date for increased use of medication to help cope with marital problems and other issues. The use of these drugs also tended to decrease after the divorce had been finalized. In an attempt to manage increased levels of stress leading up to a divorce, it’s not surprising that individuals would reach out for medical assistance when the symptoms of anxiety or depression became overwhelming.

The researchers determined that people are nearly twice as likely to be on some form of these medication right before a divorce when compared with those individuals not facing divorce. Well-being and the impacts of divorce have been explored in numerous academic and research studies in order to better understand how people are preparing for and coping with the effects of divorce. This study would indicate that the problems associated with depression and anxiety reach a "fever pitch" point several months before a divorce is finalized.

Going through a divorce is not easy for anyone, and the impacts of struggling with divorce can extend to family members and friends too. There are many elements of divorce, including preparation and attending court, that can increase anxiety levels and exacerbate existing emotional challenges. One way to limit the impacts of these emotional problems is to work with a qualified Illinois divorce attorney, who can prepare you for what to expect.