Review: The Emperor’s New Drugs: Exploding the Antidepressant Myth

Author: Irving Kirsch

This was interesting reading about the Anti-Depressants that I give to people as part of my professional life.  Kirsch contention is that Anti-Depressants are not much better than Placebo in the Treatment of Depression and that the “side effects” provide the actual therapeutic effect.  Controversial, yes.  You must understand there is a turf war between Psychiatrists and Psychologists.  

So you must take it with a grain of salt.  Kirsch publishes the view of his critics and attempts to address criticisms.  He advocates the use of talking therapies, bibliotherapy, and exercise as therapy in the treatment of depression.  None of this is new to me.  He also strongly advises that those currently taking Anti-Depressants not cease them without a plan from their treating clinician.  I feel more informed about this issue, but think the truth as always is in the middle.