Posted by Bill LL on July 6, 2004, at 8:39:06
In reply to Re: this article scares me, posted by linkadge on July 5, 2004, at 16:52:13
Dr. Glenmullen's monkey brain pictures are very misleading. Many depresssed humans have a smaller than normal hippocampus (a part of the brain). In human brains, SSRI's have been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus to a normal size in some depressed patients.
In my own humble opinion, the guy is way off base with his speculations which are primarily motivated by his desire for profits from his book sales.
Here are 2 articles I found:
1)
"Research suggests that the drugs protect areas of the brain injured by stress. "SSRIs may protect against damage associated with depression," says Yvette I. Sheline, MD, a professor of psychiatry at the Washington University School of Medicine, in St. Louis, who did some of the research. A Columbia University study suggests that antidepressants may even significantly stimulate the production of new nerve cells in these key regions, which could even further protect the brain from stress."
2)
NMHA News Release April 10, 2000
Contact: Lea Ann Browning McNee
Phone: (703) 837-4783
Cell: (301) 461-9351
“Prozac Backlash” Represents a Step Back in Mental Health TreatmentMental Health Advocates Warn Book May Keep People From Seeking Treatment
ALEXANDRIA, VA (April 10, 2000) The National Mental Health Association today voiced concern over what it called misleading statements in a new book that claims antidepressant medication is over-prescribed and causes serious side effects. The NMHA also expressed concern that the book, Prozac Backlash, could discourage people from seeking treatment.
NMHA's criticism of the book, written by Boston psychiatrist Joseph Glenmullen, M.D., was echoed by two leading psychiatrists, who said that the book's messages were misleading and irresponsible.
"The truth about depression and its treatment is just the opposite of what the book claims," noted Mike Faenza, president and CEO of NMHA. "In fact, clinical depression remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. Although not everyone with depression needs medication, the new generation of depression medication is much safer and more effective than those of the past."
Faenza noted that depression is a very serious health problem for over 19 million Americans, and left untreated can result in years of suffering and even suicide. Only about half of those with the illness seek and receive appropriate treatment, which includes psychotherapy ("talk therapy"), medication or a combination of the two.
Faenza cautioned that the book could have serious consequences if people accept its contents as fact. "Our organization has worked hard over the past decade to raise awareness about depression and the need to get help. We're concerned that people may decide against seeking appropriate treatment for this serious illness after hearing about this book."
A number of leading psychiatric researchers, whose work is cited by the book's author have also been critical of Prozac Backlash. "In cases where Dr. Glenmullen quoted studies published by me, he quotes the work out of context to fit his needs," said Anthony Rothschild, M.D., professor of psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. "This book is misleading, and does a great disservice to people with depression. The very medications that the author claims are overused are, in fact, well studied, closely scrutinized and closely regulated."
"Dr. Glenmullen goes well beyond the published research on the side effects of these newer antidepressant medications, the SSRI's, and into pure speculation," warned Harvey Ruben, MD, MPH, clinical professor at the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. "His messages are an irresponsible deterrent to those seeking help for depression, and border on inflammatory journalism."
The psychiatrists noted that SSRIs and other new medications for depression do have side effects that effect some patients. "This is true for any medication that treats any illness, and patients should always discuss side effects with their doctor," noted Dr. Ruben. "However, it is the overall safety and low incidence of serious side effects with these newer medications that have made them so effective in the treatment of depression."
Both psychiatrists noted that the suffering from depression usually far outweighs the side effects, usually temporary and minimal, of antidepressant medication. They shared the concern of the NMHA that the book's messages could cause people to avoid seeking help for depression, cause those now receiving treatment to discontinue it, or persuade people to use unproven, unregulated treatments including herbal remedies such as St. John's Wort.
"The sad fact is that stigma still surrounds treatment for mental illness," warned Faenza. "And books like this one unfortunately only add to this stigma. The real message about mental illness is one of hope -- that most people can recover with appropriate treatment." In fact, he noted, the U.S. Surgeon General recently released the first-ever Report on Mental Health, which identified mental health and mental illness as a key public health issue, and underscored the effectiveness of mental health treatments and services.
The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research and service.
poster:Bill LL
thread:363268
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040704/msgs/363422.html