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A Confederacy of Quacks: The War Against Antidepressants

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31–40 of 46 posts

Re: A Confederacy of Quacks: The War Against Antidepressants

#31

Meh. Some people like it, some people don't. Works for some people, doesn't for others. To each his/her own. But every drug has side effects and you're not actually changing anything permanently - the minute you're off the drug you're right back where you started. Psychotherapy actually changes the brain, and there are no negative side effects. That's why I prefer the later and not the former (for any issue).

> you're not actually changing anything permanently

Antidepressants can cause real and permanent changes to the human body. Like any drug, some of the side effects cannot always be reversed when you come off them. For example, there is thought to be a link between some antidepressants and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

And if you stop taking some anti-depressants without weaning down the dose you can have severe psychological side effects that can result in self harm, suicide, etc.

It is good that psychotherapy is working for you, but it doesn't work for all. The same is true of the drugs: some people respond very well, others not so much. One of the issues, particularly in the UK where I come from, is that the former (drugs) are both cheaper and more readily available than the latter. Ideally people should be able to choose the treatment that works best for them. This sadly isn't always possible.

Re: A Confederacy of Quacks: The War Against Antidepressants

#33
post #2

After being on just about everything that can be prescribed, I can safely say that they all make you into somebody you're not. Yes, it might make some people happier. But, you know what? So does heroin. In the end, the only thing that can fix you is you.

"After severely injuring my leg and being prescribed a cane, I can safely say that prosthetics make you into somebody you're not. Yes, it might make it easier to get around. But, you know what? So does a car."

Did you just compare heroin to cars? =/

Think his point is that heroin is generally not considered a good thing, although it can obviously have some nice effects.

Re: A Confederacy of Quacks: The War Against Antidepressants

#34

I was given anti-depressants and ADD medication when I was in college. I went to a cognitive psychologist who gave me a barrage of tests and told me I was off the charts ADD and had really bad anxiety and depression. I was definitely anxious and at times I can get pretty down. I turned in less homework than anyone in my whole high school and generally didn't care about most things people wanted me to (I did pretty we…

What's Qigong?

Re: A Confederacy of Quacks: The War Against Antidepressants

#35

I am very tempted to add my personal anecdote to the pile, but let me make a humble request instead... If you are not a medical professional, please stop spreading unscientific memes and try to keep your opinion on mental diseases to yourself. The question of whether the drugs work is better left to the actual scientists and not be allowed to cloud the basic fact that one should always seek medical attention if they…

I don't think anyone sharing their anecdotes (myself included) are asserting any kind of medical expertise or suggesting that a comment section generally reserved for relatively obscure debates about technology should replace a qualified physician/psychologist.

Discouraging the general dissemination of experience seems generally counterproductive unless of course someone is making claims that would discourage sound medical advice.

Re: A Confederacy of Quacks: The War Against Antidepressants

#36

I am very tempted to add my personal anecdote to the pile, but let me make a humble request instead... If you are not a medical professional, please stop spreading unscientific memes and try to keep your opinion on mental diseases to yourself. The question of whether the drugs work is better left to the actual scientists and not be allowed to cloud the basic fact that one should always seek medical attention if they…

The route out of depression is simple - go to see a doctor. At first they will try to improve your state with talking sessions. If this doesn't work they should prescribe antidepressant. Can somebody offer better way?

Re: A Confederacy of Quacks: The War Against Antidepressants

#37
post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"After severely injuring my leg and being prescribed a cane, I can safely say that prosthetics make you into somebody you're not. Yes, it might make it easier to get around. But, you know what? So does a car."

Did you just compare heroin to cars? =/ Think his point is that heroin is generally not considered a good thing, although it can obviously have some nice effects.

> Did you just compare heroin to cars?

Well, you'll reach your destination quickly and it's bad for your environment.

In seriousness, the stigmatization of medicating anxiety and depression is very unhealthy. While pills shouldn't be the first or only option, implying someone is weak for using meds is plain wrongheaded.

"No son, I'm not going to give you painkillers while you pass these gallstones. You see, that would change your state of mind and make you a different person. Plus, if you fight through the agony it'll make you a better human. It's natural, y'see."

Re: A Confederacy of Quacks: The War Against Antidepressants

#38
post #36

I am very tempted to add my personal anecdote to the pile, but let me make a humble request instead... If you are not a medical professional, please stop spreading unscientific memes and try to keep your opinion on mental diseases to yourself. The question of whether the drugs work is better left to the actual scientists and not be allowed to cloud the basic fact that one should always seek medical attention if they…

The route out of depression is simple - go to see a doctor. At first they will try to improve your state with talking sessions. If this doesn't work they should prescribe antidepressant. Can somebody offer better way?

Also - if your doctor seems unhelpful, aggressive or useless, keep changing doctors until you find a good one.

Re: A Confederacy of Quacks: The War Against Antidepressants

#39

I was given anti-depressants and ADD medication when I was in college. I went to a cognitive psychologist who gave me a barrage of tests and told me I was off the charts ADD and had really bad anxiety and depression. I was definitely anxious and at times I can get pretty down. I turned in less homework than anyone in my whole high school and generally didn't care about most things people wanted me to (I did pretty we…

For certain psychiatric disorders (and I believe for people who don't really have depression) SSRIs can cause mania, which sounds a lot like what you went through.

Re: A Confederacy of Quacks: The War Against Antidepressants

#40
post #20
post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think you misunderstand what I mean by true self. Yes, our self does change at every moment and is "reborn." However, it is still a true self as it is not artificially modified .

Is artificially modifying one's self ipso facto a bad thing? What's your basis for this claim?

There is no basis for me claiming that artificially modifying one's self is a bad thing, as I never made that claim. I only pointed out an observation.
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