misrepresented cause of depression

March 21, 2008

They tend to say it is a chemical imbalance. A recent study finds

they can't back up that statement, nor can the pshchiatrists cited.

Actually, it IS a chemical imbalance - a whole slew of imbalances that

are interconnected and not corrected by use of one or a few drugs,

though some people respond well in the short term, the actual benefit

stats are startling, brief below. This is an interesting report - I

didn't realize the extent of the media and professionals speaking thru

it who used this as their basis of support for the SSRI meds.

Best - Ysha

ScienceDaily (Mar. 3, 2008) ... according to a new study

co-authored by a Florida State University visiting lecturer, Jeffrey

Lacasse and Jonathan Leo, a neuroanatomy professor...

As their current study documents, when asked for evidence,

reporters were unable to cite peer-reviewed primary articles in

support of the theory. "

Leo said. " Since the 1960's, there has been no direct evidence to

confirm the theory and a significant number of findings cast doubt on

the theory. " The " Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental

Disorders, " which almost all psychiatrists use to diagnose and treat

their patients, clearly states that the cause of depression and

anxiety is unknown! " according to Lacasse and Leo.

... Other studies indicate that for every 10 people who take an

SSRI, only one to two people are truly receiving benefit from the

medication, according to Lacasse and Leo.

The National Center for Health Statistics found that

antidepressants are the most prescribed drugs in the United States,

with doctors writing more than 31 million prescriptions in 2005.

See detailed article and more links at

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