There is little information available in the literature about the use of psychotropic medications in Turkish individuals; this is an area we believe must be expanded upon in cross-cultural research. No literature was available regarding medication treating depression, a disorder known to increase suicidal behaviors. One study by Bayard-Burfield et al. (2001) found that Turkish immigrants in Sweden had an increased intake of psychotropic drugs in general when compared to Swedes (Bayard-Burfield et al., 2001). This likely is not a reflection of cultural differences but is instead a reflection of the immigrant experience. More information about this study is provided below.
ADHD Medication: Due to the lack of research concerning other psychotropic medications, we decided it may be interesting to report the use of ADHD medication. A study by Oner et al. (2014) found that from 2009-2013 the use of prescription medication for ADHD has increased significantly in Turkey, similarly to other countries. They also found a seasonal effect for prescriptions. The highest prescription rates were detected during the March to May period each year and the lowest prescription rates were found during June to August (Oner et al., 2014). This is likely because of the school schedule, however, and probably does not extend to other psychotropic medications. Future Research: It would be interesting to research whether or not the use of antidepressants has increased in Turkey and how the use of antidepressants in Turkey compares to other countries.
Details about Bayard-Burfield et al. (2001): In this study, researchers were curious to see the effect ethnicity had on self-reported psychiatric illness and psychotropic drug use. This study took place in Sweden, but compared immigrants from Iran, Chile, Turkey, Kurdistan, and Poland to Swedes. Findings: They found that Chileans, Turks, and Kurds all had a decrease in self-reported psychiatric illness as compared to Iranians. While may be a result of the stigma surrounding mental disorders in Turkey. Turks, Kurds, and Poles reported a lower need for psychological counseling that Iranians, however, this may be a result of differences in discrimination rather than differences in cultural beliefs/norms.