[KoRn]

From my own personal experience, antidepressants have the opposite effect. I was going through a stressful period and consulted a Doctor because of it. He prescribed Zoloft. After about 2 months I started having suicidal thoughts. Then he tried Prozac, and it was more of the same. These medicines can be potentially dangerous, and I'll never take another one.

Benzodiazapines, and Narcotics are so much better for stress relief, but they are seldom prescribed over concerns for dependency. I suppose they would rather a patient kill themselves rather than be addicted to a medicine. Addiction isn't really an issue as long as you are treating an even worse problem.

[DustyMoment]

In his ground breaking 60s film THX 1138, George Lucas explored this very topic.

[Boazo]

I'm going to consult with Tom Cruise.

[festus]

What happened to the days when you'd toss back a shot glass of courage before going out in public ?

[ffusco]

Yes, the medicalization of lack of self control, i.e. gambling as an addiction or obsessive
compulsive disorder, or the belief you are a man trapped in a woman's body (how would you know) or road rage as health problems has blurred the distinction between unhealthy and irresponsible behavior.

[The Great RJ]

I had a bout of serious depression and was very successfully treated with antidepressants. My doctors were very careful in prescribing the drugs and had me come in frequently for followup. I was on Zoloft for quite a while and while it effectively treated my depression it left me tired. I recently switched to Wellbutrin and can say that I feel normal for the first time in many years.. I have energy and am excited by life's challenges.

Carefully used antidepressants are life savers.