Do anti depressants actually work? what are the alternatives?

Question

In an analysis of efficacy data submitted to the FDA between 1987 and 1999 for six of the most popular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, 75 to 80% of the response to medication was duplicated in placebo groups.

This data was the basis on which the medications were approved by the FDA.


Placebo= sugar pill

Answer 1

Yes, antidepressants do work. They work extremely well for some people, and not so well for others. Some people cannot tolerate the side effects of SSRI meds, and there are alternatives such as the older tricyclic a/ds (such as Elavil), and newer atypical a/ds, such as Wellbutrin, Serzone, etc.

Usually the greatest benefit is seen with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The most effective form of psychotherapy in clinical studies is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, C-BT), which explores ways for the patient to alter her/his thoughts, moods, and behaviors in a proactive setting without the focus on past events such as childhood trauma (unless such events are directly impacting the patient's present functioning). C-BT is much more time-limited than older forms of psychotherapy and usually works much more quickly. It uses such interventions as recording negative thoughts, scheduling activities, including a plan of exercise (such as yoga), and looking at mistaken assumptions that cause depressed moods and behaviors that lead to depression..

For some people, psychotherapy without medications can be an effective treatment for depression. These patients tend to have fewer depressive symptoms and they tend to be less impaired in their social and occupational lives than those for whom medications are very helpful. Some people have been able to successfully deal with depressive episodes without psychotherapy through using diet, yoga, exercise, scheduling their activities, and other such proactive activities. For some people, St. John's Wort and/or Omega-3 fatty acids can be very helpful as well.

The "placebo effect" is always factored into medication trials, as some people will respond positively to such placebos. But even with the data that you submit, there is a 20-25% benefit for SSRI meds, and those are not the "second generation" SSRIs and that test did not include atypical a/ds, which also have a very good success rate. All a/d's tested by the FDA for effectiveness are compared with the effectiveness of the older tricyclic a/d's, which are effective but which also have more and stronger side effects, such as sleepiness and dry mouth, which make them less likely to be used regularly by patients to whom they are prescribed. The s/e's of SSRIs and atypical a/d's are usually less severe so patient compliance with medication is higher.

Because the major complication of Major Depressive D/O is death from suicide and accidents, it is very important that people who suffer from that disorder obtain treatment. Those who experience only "depressed moods" without the impairment of the full-on disorder can usually recover from them with less treatment.

Answer 2

There is an important thing to realise with antidepressants. They do not cure depression, they cure the symptoms. Meds are good if you feel that your depression is interfering with your life but you must also work on resolving what is causing your depression. Think of your depression as a hole in a boat and your hand being the antidepressants. Once you remove your hand it will start again.

I found that a combination of meds and cognitive behaviour therapy worked wonders for me. CBT if your not aware of it is simply changing how you think about things giving you a more positive outlook on life. Its true that many people feel better themselves, hense the placebo effect, all they need is the assurance that they are getting better and more often than not they will.

If you have depression, firstly see a doctor. But also consider new hobbies, meeting new people, learning new skills and genrally doing anything that allows you to focus elsewhere. Depression is horrible but it is 100% treatable.

Answer 3

I ended up taking anti-depressants out of sheer desperation after trying everything e.g. St Johns Wort, counselling, positive thinking etc. The effectiveness of my medication was impossible to be from placebo causes.
I think its important to differentiate between different types of depressions, as some causes are endogenous such as with myself (bipolar), and some causes are external (bad marriage, loneliness etc) failure to take this into account can respond differently to treatment.
The problems with such studies is that experimental procedure are open to so much error e.g. statistical manipulation, extraneous variables, manipulation of background studies for use in introduction/results/discussion.
If you look on journal data on Science Direct/Athens etc you will probably find many studies supporting the use of SSRIs. Studies don't indicate absolute truth.
Ciprimil definately helped depressions and obsessive tendencies; I have a genetic mental illness, but antidepressants aren't the answer for everybody. Some people can equally be treated with therapy or literally a holiday. I think depression is an individual experience and should be treated as such.

Answer 4

It just goes to show you that sometimes it truly is mind over matter. Most people given a placebo exhibit different behaviour because in their mind, they think they are taking something else. I've been on three different types of SSRI and an anti-psychotic which in low doses, eases anxiety. I finally got off everything and started reading books on cognitive behaviour therapy. Simply put, know what triggers these moods, and most importantly, acknowledge that they are part of you and not an outside source. Instead of fighting your moods, know them and accept them as part of what makes you you.

Answer 5

when i first got to the hospital (this was back in the early 1980's when they just had the old meds) i met people that said said they felt bad by the 3rd week i talked to a couple of the same people and they said they felt better and i did too, we were all on meds, i heard things about placebos but who do they do that to? i never met anyone from a placebo group

Answer 6

Even if the numbers are true (I have my doubts), it would be the case that the SSRIs were 25% more effective than the placebos.

Answer 7

Ok I know somebody that takes ant-deppresants.Ant-deppresants are not good really.When you first take them you are happier but that is only becouse your body is not used to the chemicals in them.After a while of taking the Ant-deppresants your body gets used to them and you start feeling like you were before you started taking them.After you start taking them long enough when you dont take a anti-deppresant pill then you feel worse than you did becouse your body doesnt know how to respond to not having the chemicals the anti-depressants were giving you .Basicaly they only work at first and then you get addicted but you still feel the same before you started taking them.The best way to get rid of deppresion is to go to a theropist.

Answer 8

ya antidepression SSRI r first n new going drug 4 moderate to major depression...its effect is like magic in 3 month but should take it 4 6 month alternative is best way yoga .....its not harmful n cure all yor problem make u feel relax from yor worry n maintain electolyte ballance in mind normol secreate serotonin ......which actualy nead f good planning to way out frm prob... FOOD orange juice in morning rich in serotonin...

Answer 9

Practice for 20 mins daily the method at http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com Meditation room; try it out; mantra meditation; repeat the word: "easy", or gaze at a burning candle in a quiet, darkened room.

Answer 10

They made me more depressed. Went back to beer.