moodr

of mood and men

Debate on antidepressants

June 23rd, 2007 by Osman

I am interested in this primarily because I am on Lustral (it is known as Zoloft in U.S.) for more than a year right now. Since this is about clinical psychology, I would be interested in it anyway.

Antidepressants are promoted with the idea that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. What not balanced is serotonin.

Through any discussion I’ve read, nobody disagree with the fact that a more balanced flow of serotonin is helpful for depressed people. What people don’t agree upon is the fact whether depression really is caused by that imbalance or not.

Counter arguments say that the fact S.S.R.I’s help depressed people feel better does not necessarily mean that the cause lies in serotonin.

The same debate is not heated for endorphine or dopamine.

I have never been against medication. I usually take pain-killers when I have a headache.

I have always been an advocate of psychotic drugs because I have seen many people suffering from illnesses such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. These are conditions that would hardly give up unless you take proper medication under supervision.

However, it is really annoying that recently such medication is subject to heavy discussion. I wonder what would people that have a long enough history of antidepressant drugs say.

Posted in Daily, Topical |

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