Eli Lily quietly paid $20 million to the victims of a horrific Kentucky mass shooting. The payment was made thirty years after Joseph Wesbecker, who’d been taking Prozac for one month, walked into his office building and killed eight people (injuring twelve), indiscriminately shooting at co-workers.
This mass shooting occurred two years after the FDA approved Prozac for depression. While it was the first seemingly associated with the use of prescription drugs, sadly, it wasn’t the last.
If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a correlation between the increase in mass shootings in the U.S. and prescription drugs, you aren’t alone. This article will take you into the recesses of mass shooting propaganda, verifiable facts, and the history of prescription drugs and mass shootings.
Report Highlights:
- As of 2021, 57.8 million adults in the U.S. experienced some form of mental illness, while 14.1 million adults suffered from a serious mental illness.
- In 2018, more than 34 million Americans were reported to be taking antidepressants.
- By 2023, over 3 million American children were receiving medication for behavioral issues.
- Over half of all mass shootings have occurred since the year 2000, with 20% taking place since 2014.
- Studies from Finland and Sweden suggest a possible link between prescription drug use and violent behavior.
- Between 2000 and 2013, 22% of mass shooters were reported to have used either prescription or illicit drugs.
- Official mental health diagnoses were found in 40% of individuals responsible for school attacks between 2008 and 2018.
- Prozac and Effexor were among the most commonly identified antidepressants in cases involving school shooters from 2000 to 2018.
Methodology
Unlike other countries around the globe, HIPAA laws make it challenging to investigate the relationship between mental illness, prescription drugs, and violence.
This article provides a comprehensive review of information sourced from global publications. We compiled data from news reports, peer-reviewed studies, and publications in other countries to deliver an accurate assessment of the effects of prescription drugs on criminality, violence, and mass shootings.
Sourcing information from various resources allows us to provide an unbiased report and highlight all possible underlying factors.
Ammo.com strives to provide fact-based information. You can view our sources HERE.
The History of Prescription Drugs and Mental Illness in the U.S.
In the 21st century, it seems like there’s medication for almost everything. Whether it’s Oppositional Defiance Disorder, ADHD, or clinical depression, there’s a pill designed to adjust brain chemistry and promote better behavioral outcomes.
Over the years, many people have questioned the impact of these medications on both individuals and society, wondering if we might be over-relying on them. The following sections will provide key insights into the use of prescription drugs in America.
Understanding the Role of Prescription Drugs in America
The 1950s marked the beginning of a new era with the introduction of “magical pills” designed to address various behavioral and mental health issues. One of the first breakthroughs was the introduction of MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), which were highly effective as antidepressants. However, these medications came with significant side effects and required strict dietary restrictions. 12
Between the 1950s and 1980s, tricyclic antidepressants became widely popular despite their significant side effects, largely because they were effective in treating depression. During this period, Quaaludes also emerged but proved to be highly addictive, leading to numerous overdose deaths. Valium, a benzodiazepine that we’ll discuss further below, was another drug that gained popularity. Although it was also addictive, many in the medical community viewed it as a safer alternative to Quaaludes.
In December 1987, the FDA approved the first-ever SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), Fluoxetine, which quickly became known by its brand name, Prozac. Prozac soon became a household name, and since then, SSRIs have become a popular treatment option for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
By 2018, more than 34 million Americans were actively taking antidepressants. 5 Additionally, by 2023, over 3 million American children were being prescribed medication for ADHD. 6
Although antidepressants have been available for over half a century, it wasn’t until the 1980s that drug manufacturers started advertising directly to consumers. The first drug commercial aired on television in 1983, and today, pharmaceutical companies spend millions of dollars each year on advertising. 13
Understanding Mental Illness in the U.S.
In 2021, 57.8 million U.S. adults were reported to have some form of mental illness, with 14.1 million of them experiencing a serious mental illness. Additionally, nearly half (49.5%) of adolescents had some form of mental illness, and 22% experienced severe impairment or distress. 7
Despite more people seeking help for mental illnesses now than in previous decades, the prevalence of severe mental illnesses has actually increased in the 2020s compared to the 2010s.
According to the American Psychological Association, the rate of individuals reporting symptoms consistent with major depression increased significantly from 2005 to 2017. Among adolescents, the rate rose by 52%, while among young adults aged 18 to 25, it increased by 63% from 2009 to 2017. 8
Study authors attribute this sharp rise in mental health issues, including mood disorders and suicide-related concerns, to the influence of social media and broader societal changes. This has led many to believe that, despite better access to mental healthcare, mental health problems are more prevalent today than in the past.
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