Teenager antidepressant use has been a subject of concern for many years due to the potential negative side effects that these medications can have on young individuals. Stem4, a mental health charity organization, conducted a survey that highlighted a concerning increase in antidepressant use among teenagers.
However, the usefulness of the survey results and the accuracy of this data have been called into question. In this academic article, we will explore the Stem4 survey results and compare them to official statistics on antidepressants.
Additionally, we will discuss Stem4’s research objectives, audience, and whether their statistics are deliberately misleading.
Teenager Antidepressant Use
The Stem4 survey results showed that there has been a 50% increase in antidepressant use among teenagers in the past four years. This data was gathered by surveying over 1000 teenagers from across the United Kingdom.
However, it is essential to consider these survey results with caution as they may not represent the whole population of teenagers who take antidepressants.
Official statistics on antidepressants compiled by NHS England showed that, in 2019, 408,000 prescriptions for antidepressants were given to teenagers under the age of 18.
This is a significant number, but it is essential to recognize that not all teenagers who are prescribed antidepressants may take them. Additionally, official statistics reflect prescription data rather than usage data, which means that the number of teenagers using antidepressants may be different from the number of prescriptions written.
Explaining the Differences
There are several reasons why the Stem4 survey results and official statistics may differ. The pandemic may have played a role, as more teenagers may have needed mental health support in the last year.
Additionally, younger teenagers may be more likely to use antidepressants, which may not be reflected in the official statistics as they only include teenagers under the age of 18. Lastly, self-reporting bias may have influenced the survey results, as some teenagers may have been more likely to report using antidepressants than others.
Stem4’s Misleading Survey Results
While Stem4’s survey results are concerning, they may be misleading. The data presented reflected an eye-catching 50% increase in antidepressant use, which may grab the attention of the public and the media.
However, it is essential to consider the credibility of the data before drawing conclusions. Stem4’s survey only included teenagers who follow their social media accounts and may not represent the whole population of teenagers in the United Kingdom.
Additionally, the sample size may have been biased as those who are more interested in Stem4’s mental health initiatives may be more likely to respond to the survey.
Stem4s Research Objectives
Stem4’s CEO, Dr. Nihara Krause, stated that the organization aims to give young people a voice in their mental health care. Stem4’s objective is to support young people with their mental health by giving them access to reliable resources and services.
Stem4 provides online resources such as apps and mental health guides that are free for young people to access. Additionally, the charity works with schools to promote positive mental health in young people.
Stem4’s Targeted Audience
Stem4 conducted their survey using SurveyGoo, an online survey provider. Online surveys are a common marketing technique used to gather data from the public.
The widespread use of social media platforms means that mental health charities such as Stem4 can use these platforms to reach targeted audiences easily. However, it is vital to consider that the audience that Stem4 reaches using these methods may not represent the whole population of teenagers in the United Kingdom.
Deliberately Misleading Statistics
Stem4’s statistics were presented on Good Morning Britain as part of a campaign to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing. The use of sensationalism to draw attention to Stem4’s initiatives may be interpreted as a commercial gain.
Concerns have been raised about the ethics of promoting Stem4’s services on the show, as well as the accuracy of the statistics presented. It is essential to consider whether data is presented objectively and without bias, particularly when promoting mental health and wellbeing packages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the Stem4 survey results and official statistics on teenager antidepressant use may differ. Stem4’s survey results reflect the experiences of a targeted audience, which may not represent the whole population of teenagers who take antidepressants.
While Stem4 aims to give young people a voice in their mental health care, we must consider the authenticity and accuracy of the data when making decisions about mental health policy. Monitoring and evaluating data and research objectives should be a priority to promote evidence-based mental health practices.
In this article, we discussed the Stem4 survey results regarding teenager antidepressant use and compared them to official statistics. We also explored Stem4’s research objectives, audience, and whether their statistics are deliberately misleading.
It is essential to consider the credibility of data and the authenticity of research objectives when making decisions about mental health policy. Monitoring and evaluating data should be a priority to promote evidence-based mental health practices.
FAQs:
1. What was the Stem4 survey results about?
The Stem4 survey results were about the increase of antidepressant use among teenagers in the past four years. 2.
What were the official statistics on antidepressants? According to NHS England, 408,000 prescriptions for antidepressants were given to teenagers under the age of 18 in 2019.
3. Why were Stem4 survey results and official statistics different?
There are several reasons why the Stem4 survey results and official statistics may differ, such as the pandemic, younger versus older teens, and self-reporting bias. 4.
What are Stem4’s research objectives? Stem4’s research objectives are to give young people a voice in their mental health care and support them with reliable resources and services.
5. What is the significance of monitoring and evaluating data in mental health policy?
Monitoring and evaluating data is essential to promote evidence-based mental health practices and ensure that policies are authentic and effective.