Do Antidepressants Really Work?
Last week, I noticed two mainstream articles about antidepressants. One told of veterinarians who use them, with some success, to treat self-harming animals. The other summarized a major study suggesting that antidepressants are no more effective than placebos. [Note to self: buy stock in placebos.] The two studies seem to contradict each other. Animals are unsusceptible to placebo effects, so what gives? The answer lies in proper use. As long as our prescribing physicians are as diligent as the aforementioned veterinarians, antidepressants might help. “Help” is the key word here. I’ve never seen antidepressants fix anything. Used wisely, they can provide a well-timed boost on the road to wellness. Used carelessly – as they often are – antidepressants can become part of the problem. More
