I am a lifelong sufferer of depression. Unfortunately I chose not to deal with this until I got into my 40s. I stumbled on this book on a weekend meditation retreat - lucky me.
This is a detailed and brilliant exposition of a global multi-billion dollar confidence trick. Anybody taking SSRIs needs to read this book and then come up with a plan to wean themselves off the drug. Assume that you will relapse at some point and have a plan, just not one that involves a harmful placebo like an SSRI.
Apart from debunking the myth of the SSRI miracle, the author also fully explores the truly miraculous placebo effect. It occurred to me a few years ago that everybody seemed to be looking past the most powerful cure-all known to man when in fact we should be researching the placebo effect in order to better understand how to leverage it. Interestingly, Dr Kirsch talks about the ethics of misleading the patient by not disclosing when an inert placebo is being administered. I would gladly sign a disclaimer to allow any and all physicians to feed me sugar pills with a large dose of bull if that is what they think will do the trick.
I remember first doctor to give me "chemical imbalance in the brain" speech. I thought it was bulls*** then and I have continued to think it was bulls***. They can't measure your serotonin levels and even if they could would the lower level be a symptom or a cause. The theory is about a valid as saying - "You are depressed. This is due to your sad facial expression. We are going to perform a surgical procedure to put a permanent smile on your face and you will then feel much better."
That said, I fell into the trap of believing that the Lexapro I was prescribed actually worked. As Dr. Kirsch posits, starting on the drug actually made me feel so much worse than I already did that it was just about unbearable. My depression deepened to where I could barely move and I would sweat uncontrollably. I imagine that as I became adapted to the drug, the worst mood and physical effects lessened and ironically this may have made me believe that the drug was working and given me the lift I needed to start my way from the depths back up to the surface. Of course, I came to believe in my dependence on the drug for mood stability and I have struggled to come off the drug. I am currently about 20 pounds overweight and have all of the much discussed sexual issues. I will be coming off for good this time. The worst I have ever felt is when I began to take the drug and I am going to need to recognize that the drug effect is an illusion and use psychotherapy and other techniques to treat the condition.
Add Prime
to get Fast, Free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
This item: The Emperor's New Drugs: Exploding the Antidepressant Myth
$16.00
Get it as soon as Saturday, Jan 25
In Stock
+
$16.51
Get it as soon as Saturday, Jan 25
In Stock
+
$17.63
Get it as soon as Saturday, Jan 25
In Stock
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Top reviews from other countries
-
-
KakaduReviewed in Germany on December 29, 2010
Dringende Leseempfehlung für jeden Arzt und jeden Hausarzt
