Iceland: #1 In Consumption Of Antidepressants

Iceland is the top country in the world for antidepressant consumption, and the number of new users is rising, an OECD report states.

According to the OECD “Health at a Glance 2015” report, Iceland ranks first amongst the countries surveyed in terms of how many people are taking antidepressants.

The findings show that, in 2013, 118 people for every 1,000 in Iceland are taking antidepressants on a daily basis, the highest rate in the world. Australia came in second, with a rate of 96 per thousand, followed by Portugal, with 88 per thousand.

Further, Iceland’s antidepressant users appear to be increasing. Iceland is third amongst the surveyed countries in terms of new users between 2010 and 2013, where an additional 47 people per thousand in Iceland began taking antidepressants during this time period. Iceland was edged out only by Australia (an additional 51 per thousand) and Portugal (an additional 55 per thousand) in this category.

Correction: The article previously contended that Zopiclone is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant in Iceland. In fact, it is not an antidepressant. We apologise for this error.