5. Do Antidepressants even work? (Rebroadcast)

For the last two months we have had a number of insightful conversations on psychiatric medications and harm caused by the overprescription of drugs. A good way to close out those episodes is to reshare one of our very first episodes to simply answer the question, “Do antidepressants even work?” Originally published in July of 2021.

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When a product is launched in a particular category we expect it to satisfy an unmet consumer need or perform as intended. Shampoo, caffeinated coffee, or running shoes. If the product doesn’t work, it won’t sell.

How often are we scrutinizing our use of pharmaceuticals? Instead, we rely upon the recommendations of our healthcare providers. What if those drugs don’t work? And, what if the established guidelines for standard of care are flawed. On today’s podcast Roger, Kelly and Sean discuss the efficacy of antidepressants and the subjective process used by doctors to apply the label of “depressed” on us all.

If you are in a crisis or think you have an emergency, call your doctor or 911. If you're considering suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK to speak with a skilled trained counselor.

RADICALLY GENUINE PODCAST

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Background Reading

Attorney Michael Baum: Antidepressants & Teens

Relabeling the Medications We Call Antidepressants

Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 & PHQ-2)