They myths surrounding antidepressants

An issue that continues to amaze and at the same time distress me involves the beliefs, attitudes and myths that surround the use of antidepressant medications in cases of clinical depression.

I wish to provide some education and refute some of the erroneous information that, in my opinion, exists. Here are some of my observations and beliefs.

• Antidepressant medications are neither physically nor psychologically addictive. The side effects, when present, are usually minimal when compared to the symptoms of clinical depression.

• Antidepressant medication is not usually indicated in cases of brief or situational depression. This includes disappointment, grief and loss, as well as frustrated desires. Prolonged grief and loss, however, can develop into depressive episodes that necessitate medications.

• The use of antidepressant medication does not necessarily give rise to a life-long need for it. Certain types of depression, however, tend to run in families and may have a genetic, biological basis that may require medication in the same way other genetically transmitted diseases occur.

Diabetes, allergies, poor vision and bad teeth are often the result of hereditary factors. Few of us complain about medication and corrective appliances in the treatment of these disorders. Hopefully this same mindset will occur in the use of medication in treating depression.

For those ready to explore the potential for antidepressant medication for yourself or those you care for, let’s go forward.

Most authorities feel that prolonged stress and/or a biological predisposition to depression lead to a change in brain chemistry that alters the “normal” transmission of electrical impulses within the brain which are necessary for healthy, non-depressed thinking.

Clinically depressed people tend to perceive life in such a chronically pessimistic, helpless and hopeless manner that suggestions for change go unheeded, unaccepted and even unwanted. The most compassionate, well-intended and persuasively argued attempts at help are rejected or at least minimally acknowledged. Those attempting to provide information and support often become bewildered and frustrated by a lack of success in “getting through” to the depressed person.

In my experience, medication often lowers this barrier of resistance, increases the potential for insight, decreases motivational obstacles and allows the depressed person to finally perceive possibilities, options, reasons for living and a desire to embrace counseling.

Antidepressant medication should be prescribed by physicians with experience and training in evaluating and treating depression. The advances of psychopharmacology are occurring at a rapid pace. This necessitates continual updates and awareness by those prescribing.

Antidepressant medication by itself is rarely sufficient in treating depression. Psychotherapy ministered by those with proper training and experience.

Copyright c 1995 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D