Posted by Mrtook on June 16, 2010, at 17:48:13
In reply to Re: im also rejecting meds..., posted by Huxley on June 16, 2010, at 4:37:45
>
> How can you treat a chemical imbalance that you have not detected using drugs that you do not understand what they do?
>
> To me this seems the opposite of balance. When you are putting these drugs in your system, this is when you are creating
> an imbalance which leads to you being chronically ill.
>
> "For instance, Prozac and other SSRI antidepressants block
> the reuptake of serotonin . In order to cope with this hindrance of normal function, the
> brain tones down its whole serotonergic system . Neurons both release less serotonin and
> down-regulate (or decrease) their number of serotonin receptors . The density of serotonin
> receptors in the brain may decrease by 50% or more . As part of this adaptation
> process, Hyman noted, there are also changes in intracellular signaling pathways and
> gene expression . After a few weeks, Hyman concluded, the patient's brain is functioning
> in a manner that is "qualitatively as well as quantitatively different from the normal
> state"
The simplistic mono-amine (chemical imbalance) theory of depression has not really been credible for a while. The source for this theory was that TCA's worked and this was their major biological effect. Ergo, it must be what is causing the anti-depressant effect! In reality no one knows why they work, but they have been proven to have a net positive effect at least for some short term. In fact some of the brain changes you indicate are currently hypothesized as the real mechanics of the anti-depressant qualities.Regardless, the real power of AD's is the hope that they bring (Why we have to pay lots of money and endure side effects to get the placebo bonus is a frustration. I would love for some top secret gov. agency to release Plabix a new AD with some miraculous and made up method of action that barely costs anything at all).
The bottom line is that if you have decided that they (meds) are part of the problem for you then you have most likely decided your response to them. I would encourage you to not shout your POV to the world, however, as you might ruin the significant AD magic that is placebo based for others.
If you had evidence that was more compelling in regards to long term harm I would be all for it, however, I just don't find Whitaker to be all that truthful and unbiased. When he very blatantly misrepresents study conclusions
I found this post http://chekhovsgun.blogspot.com/2010/05/anatomy-of-epidemic-or-story-told-over.html very interesting.
Again, I am not saying you aren't right, and long term research is certainly warranted, but I still think the benefits out weigh the research.
poster:Mrtook
thread:951199
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100615/msgs/951267.html