I've had my own mental health challenges over the years, and have watched those close to me grapple with them as well.
One of the issues I have with how antidepressants are prescribed is the growing body of evidence which challenges their overall efficacy. For several of them, an argument could be made that the "benefit" which is seen is …
I've had my own mental health challenges over the years, and have watched those close to me grapple with them as well.
One of the issues I have with how antidepressants are prescribed is the growing body of evidence which challenges their overall efficacy. For several of them, an argument could be made that the "benefit" which is seen is perhaps little more than a placebo effect--and that is NOT how these meds are being sold to the general public.
I'm in no position to challenge anyone's approach to their own mental health, and will never tell anyone to stop taking a medication just on general principles. However, when we see evidence that people are ending up on medication far longer than originally anticipated, and especially when there is evidence to suggest that at least some patients remain on medication for what amounts to a desire to avoid the withdrawal effects, there is an ethics issue that arises which the psychiatric profession seems loathe to confront.
What I will always say is this: social interaction and stronger communal ties are going to the best and most sustainable way to buffer the mental health challenges life has a way of throwing at everybody. With or without psychotropic medications, we need more friends and friendlier communities.
No argument from me on the points you raise, Peter. I really don't know what the answer is. All I know is that anti-depressants banish my depression and other methods don't.
I've had my own mental health challenges over the years, and have watched those close to me grapple with them as well.
One of the issues I have with how antidepressants are prescribed is the growing body of evidence which challenges their overall efficacy. For several of them, an argument could be made that the "benefit" which is seen is perhaps little more than a placebo effect--and that is NOT how these meds are being sold to the general public.
I'm in no position to challenge anyone's approach to their own mental health, and will never tell anyone to stop taking a medication just on general principles. However, when we see evidence that people are ending up on medication far longer than originally anticipated, and especially when there is evidence to suggest that at least some patients remain on medication for what amounts to a desire to avoid the withdrawal effects, there is an ethics issue that arises which the psychiatric profession seems loathe to confront.
What I will always say is this: social interaction and stronger communal ties are going to the best and most sustainable way to buffer the mental health challenges life has a way of throwing at everybody. With or without psychotropic medications, we need more friends and friendlier communities.
No argument from me on the points you raise, Peter. I really don't know what the answer is. All I know is that anti-depressants banish my depression and other methods don't.