Studies say, not necessarily so. 10% of the US population is on them, though. A meta-analysis published in a 2010 JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) issue concluded the following:
The magnitude of benefit of antidepressant medication compared with placebo increases with severity of depression symptoms and may be minimal or nonexistent, on average, in patients with mild or moderate symptoms. For patients with very severe depression, the benefit of medications over placebo is substantial.
This prompted an article released by Psychiatry Today on January 7, 2010. This article listed five reasons not to take antidepressants. The article debated the premise of the serotonin theory to begin with, due to the apparent ineffectiveness of these drugs in the majority of non-severe depressive cases. It also listed potential interactions with other drugs, increased “diagnoses” of normal grieving patterns, and society’s “quick fix with a pill” mentality.
Dr. Mercola recently interviewed Robert Whitaker, an established medical journalist and author, regarding this subject. Mr Whitaker revealed that it is well know that 85% of depressive cases get better without treatment. He stated that medications may increase the risk for bipolar disorder, as well as the most acknowledged side effects, such as loss of libido and weight gain. Furthermore, Whitaker states that long term use can actually create more of a chemical imbalance in the brain, leading to a dependency. He also cautioned against going off medications completely without a doctor’s advise, as suicidal side effects can occur.
It is interesting to note that Mr. Whitaker stated that the original intention was not for long term use, but rather to aid in the speed of the cyclic recovery. He also felt that the theory of depression relating to a serotonin and chemical imbalance in the brain is not a legitmate premise to start with.
As many of you know, I have been working with neurotransmitters in my practice. I disagree that imbalances in brain biochemistry aren’t related to imbalanced moods and thought process. Recently, I’ve been studying Dr. Amen’s work. Dr Amen is a neuroscientist and psychiatrist who uses SPECT imagery to envision brain activity. Dr Amen has done over 50,000 scans of traumatic brain injuries, mood imblances, addictions, and other neurological issues. His scans demonstrate that over activity or under activity in certain regions of the brain can be correlated to different behavioral and emotional expressions. Furthermore, correcting these imbalances through nutrition, herbals, lifestyle, exercise, or appropriate medications can aid in addiction recovery, memory, and overall health.
I agree that antidepressants are over-prescribed. Ultimately, I feel the problem is not with the medication, but with the right match in neurotransmitters and our belief as a society that a drug will fix our disconnect with our emotions. The chronic overstimulation of our nervous systems, lack of healthy life habits, or dysfunctional coping skills, have led many people to feel numbed out and alone. The pill for every ill theory is hurting our ability to establish and learn behavioral patterns that make intimacy possible. However, as a believer in the body-mind-spirit philosophy, when people become imbalanced, the right physical support can be vital for recovery in emotional and spiritual disconnect.
Most physicians may not be aware that it is the overall balance of the brain chemistry that is important, not just in certain neurotransmitter profiles. Providing nutritional base support for these neurotransmitters offers a safer solution for short term support. That is why testing neurotransmitters if possible, as well as using questionnaires, and understanding their role, is so important. I have seen remarkable changes in people who get the nutritional support they need to be able to make lifestyle changes as we address the root cause.
Still, these aren’t to be used without caution. People must be monitored closely, which is why I follow my patients and have them call me if things don’t seem right. I also prefer to have my clients work alongside a good psychiatrist or mind-body support system as well as the work we do in the office. Ultimately, the point is giving the power back into someone’s hand who has felt helpless.
For these reasons, one would want to work with someone they are comfortable with and who is experienced with neurotranmsmitter therapy, or who has vast knowledge of integrative medicine, rather than going at it on your own. This in itself can be therapeutic, as depression is often related to social isolation.
On an upbeat note-the number one drug for mood that has been proven time and again, that is safe with no side effects, makes you smarter and appear younger, and is free is….exercise!
References:
USA Today. Number of Americans taking antidepressants doubles. 8.4.09
JAMA. 2010;303(1):47-53.
