Three million Australians are now reliant on antidepressants.

New data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme shows one in every eight Australians are using the drugs, including 100,000 children.

The data has prompted concerns Australia is over-diagnosing and over-treating depression.

Psychiatrist Dr Jon Jureidini, from the University of Adelaide, tells Ben Fordham too many doctors are prescribing the drug.

“The marketing of antidepressants has been extremely successful, and lots of people have been led to believe they’re better off taking the drugs.

“The safety of these drugs is often overestimated, the risks are underestimated.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview