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MARQUETTE -- From 1996 to 2005, the use of anti-depressants in the United States more than doubled.  In 2008, 164 million prescriptions were written.  So does this mean as a society we're more depressed now than we used to be?

Maybe.  But without a real test to determine whether or not a patient has depression, doctors are forced to rely on a group of symptoms to make the diagnosis.  And they say anti-depressants are being prescribed more because the disease is being more readily recognized.

"If anything, they're probably being underprescribed.  I think there are a lot of people out there who probably have depression who feel, well...it's going to go away, it's not a problem, it indicates I'm weak.  All the myths that are out there; it's unbelievable how people will just live with it, rather than go in and get help," says addiction specialist Dr. John Lehtinen.

Many of the newer anti-depressants have fewer side effects, making them more effective.

Jessie Pike posted on our Facebook page, "Anti-depressants are very effective and it depends on what your doctor prescribes.  To me, some people are overdoing it."

While overdoing it is a possibility, for those that are genuinely suffering from depression and rely on the medication, there shouldn't be any lasting results.

"They typically don't really create much in the way of a high; they really correct the underlying problem as far as bringing their mood back up to a better state than they were, and it takes the lows away, and they feel better about themselves and the situation they're in," Dr. Lehtinen adds.

Some of the symptoms of depression, like mood swings, low self-esteem, and extreme fatigue, could be entirely situational.

If those symptoms persist for a long period of time for seemingly no reason, you should consult your physician and decide the best course of treatment for you.

Although it's encouraged for patients to pair their consumption of anti-depressants with psychotherapy, it's not always necessary, again, depending on the situation.