Date: 17.05.2026

Mental health experts and doctors across leading hospitals are addressing growing misconceptions around antidepressants, anxiety treatment, psychiatric medication, and mental health stigma. Specialists including Dr. Prathima A, Consultant Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Urogynaecology at Motherhood Hospitals, along with psychiatrists and women’s health experts from institutions across India, explain that antidepressants are now commonly prescribed not only for depression but also for anxiety disorders, panic attacks, sleep issues, chronic stress, and emotional health concerns linked to conditions like PCOS. Doctors discuss common fears around dependency, side effects, clonazepam use, self-medication, and social stigma, while emphasising the importance of timely professional support, safe psychiatric care, and greater awareness around mental health treatment.