When Antidepressants aren't the best option (1)

by Beth McHugh | More from this Blogger

05 Apr 2006 03:52 PM

In Feeling bad about taking Antidepressants? we looked at dispelling the guilt that many people feel about using these drugs. In many cases, antidepressants are the treatment of choice. But they are not a magic panacea. Far from it. This blog, we will look at scenarios where the misuse of antidepressants can do more harm than good.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) gives clear outlines regarding a diagnosis for depression, which were previously discussed in the article Depression: Symptoms and Treatment. When a person satisfies the criteria for depression, antidepressants are often prescribed. In particular, if there is a risk of suicide, antidepressants are a must.

However, even in cases where a person fits the criteria for a diagnosis of depression, this does not automatically mean that antidepressants are called for. Depending on the severity of the depression, there are many alternative treatments to antidepressants that are far superior to drug treatment. This is because these treatments address the cause of the depression rather than trying to mask the symptoms which is the end result of drug therapy. By addressing the cause of the depression, the sufferer has a much better chance of a complete recovery.

Distress and suffering are a natural part of life and do not in themselves constitute a psychological disorder. We should not always expect to feel happy. We should not always expect life to be easy. Life has a habit of dealing out unexpected and often overwhelming situations, and our level of distress escalates. Yet many doctors will often prescribe antidepressants in cases when they are clearly not indicated. They may do this for a variety of reasons: they are too busy to listen to the patient's problems, they are swayed by drug company advertising, they have little training in the area of mental illness and genuinely believe that the drug will fix the problem.

Whether or not antidepressants are the treatment of choice, they should never be regarded, either by the doctor or the patient, as the one and only treatment for the patient's depression. They should also not be prescribed in situations where it is normal to be feeling overwhelming sadness and grief, such as after the death of a close friend or relative. To be given antidepressants by a doctor in the early stages of grieving is not only uncalled for, it is unethical.

In the next article, we will look at scenarios where antidepressants do more harm than good.

Contact Beth McHugh for further information or assistance regarding this issue.

Learn more about Beth McHugh

Beth McHugh began her career as a geologist and worked both in industry and as a university researcher.

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DrugRehab (16) 12 Jan 2008 03:06 PM

My doctor did once suggest taking a break for a few days from anti-depressants, but that requires being in a good place before you do so. Ada Drug Rehab

Beth McHugh (13211) 23 Aug 2008 08:21 PM

You should never "take a break" from antidepressants, they are meant to be tapered off, not stopped abruptly, unless of course there are serious side effects occurring. Anti-anxiolytic medications may be required short-term if this were the case.

Samual (11722) 24 Aug 2008 04:19 AM

I'm trying to remember where it was published, I know it was supported by the NHS but research showed taking anti depressants made no difference where as counselling did as counselling looks at the problem instead of covering it up with anti depressants.

Beth McHugh (13211) 24 Aug 2008 03:31 PM

Hi Samual, antidepressants are really designed for short-term use, allowing the individual a breathing space within which to work on the issues that are troubling them. Using antidepressants continuously without undergoing counseling changes nothing, keeps you on the drug treadmill, and as you say, merely masks the problem. You can read more about this issue at:

http://mental-health.families.com/blog/depression-the-myth-of-chemical-imbalance

http://mental-health.families.com/blog/antidepressants-are-anti-loneliness-pills

Best wishes, Beth