Life Align Wellness Blog

Re: Antidepressants are Very Effective... Or Are They?

Please note that there is a difference between using antidepressants in children/teens and using them in adults. All of those who committed suicide/homicide in the video were teens. Antidepressants are potentially dangerous in this age group. Virtually all of the clinical trials for psychotropic medications are with adults. The FDA does require drug manufactures to include a strong warning about the possibility of suicidality if used with children, teens, or young adults however these drugs are still being over prescribed.
It was negligent (and downright inflammatory) for FOX “News” to say that antidepressants turn people into “malicious marauders.” Looking at all of my clients who have committed murder (and I have quite a few being a prison psychologist) NONE have committed murder while on antidepressants. In fact, had they been receiving proper psychiatric and psychological care at the time, they may not have ended up in prison. Antidepressants, used with adults (not children) in conjunction with psychotherapy can be extremely effective and save lives. Certainly MD’s are quick to throw pills at just about any problem and this troubling. Keep in mind that antidepressants are for the clinically depressed, meaning those who are suicidal before taking any meds, those who can are so depressed that they don’t have the energy to get out of bed to shower let alone have the energy to plan and execute a murderous rampage. There are certainly other forms of treatment for depression and I encourage those who are feeling depressed to seek therapy.