DO ANTI-DEPRESSANTS WORK?

NEWSWEEK (2010) 2/8

BEGLEY/ 35-42

Years ago, a metanalytic study was done on the efficacy of anti-depressants. In other words, do they work? The study suggested

that anti-depressants of all kinds were no better than a placebo. I have

had 3 publications on meta-analysis and it is a very controversial strategy to analyze data. However, it is so easy to do that it now has a

place in the field of social sciences and related. You may want to check

WIKIPEDIA and you will see a very concise explanation of the field. Further, various statistical strategies are used to homogenize the data.

Look, to the laymen, let me say this. Meta-analysis as it is typical used is like taking apples and oranges and putting them in a crusher and then a blender and saying you have a new fruit that is exactly like other fruits in reality. It is not.

However since then numerous studies have found that anti-depressants are generally most effective with those who are

very, very depressed. Generally depression is measured by the Hamilton Depression scale. In the next article, that was originally published in 2004, that article addresses how Big Pharmaceutical

companies do studies that may be very fraudulent. So Begley who is the author of this NEWSWEEK article is trying to balance an incredible number of studies that vary in legitimacy. Her over all view is that

probably most people don't need very expensive anti-depressants.

HOWEVER, let's stop for a moment. It would appear that about 13% of the total taking the drug who are severely depressed need anti-depressants and that they work.

What if you are not part of that 13%? The author suggest to stay on

your medication. Why? If you are feeling better and it is a placebo effect, why stop? If you are feeling better, you do not know for sure and the meds become worth the money. Why? Because there is incredible power in a placebo effect. Further, you probably purchase a lot of placeboes that promise to help you feel better, look better, and related. Then comes a time when a new (really new) drug comes on the market and you can switch.

Until that day happens, and you generally feel good with what you are

on, you make it through your life. That means days and nights of feeling more comfortable is the preferable choice.

Let's go to another example, although I happen to believe in a higher power, we shall assume that religion is a placebo. So? It works. Most

people are happy to have a friend of some sort and help them through their travails. It's called PASCAL'S WAGER. You take the road that says

that you should be good to others as self without getting ripped off.

That's it. Although we live in what is thought to be modern or postmodern life, we still are very primitive or appear to be. Then perhaps at death we are rewarded in some way for being a good soul

or trying to be.

Thus, anti-depressants work one way or another. And if they don't, gradually go off them. A quick stop means a terrible withdrawal. You should contact your doctor about this.