Alternatives to the Use of Psychiatric Medications

A Note of Caution About Psychiatric Medications for Symptoms of Depression

By Jeanne Segal Ph.D.

I am a psychologist whose profession makes liberal use of antidepressant and other psychiatric medications for treating symptoms of depression and depressive disorders. I am also a mother who lost a cherished daughter to suicide after she became dependent on the use of antidepressant medications.

When our eldest daughter, Morgan Leslie Segal, graduated from college in 1991, she was a healthy, active young woman who traveled independently all over the world. However, issues with shyness coupled with a desire to gain greater self-assurance led her into therapy with a licensed psychologist. Six months later, following a devastating break from a man she adored, she was given antipsychotic medication to help her cope with her grief. She later became depressed and was given a popular antidepressant concurrently.

Over the next five years she became increasingly withdrawn, detached from her surroundings, and confused in her thinking. Whenever she attempted to withdraw from the medications, she became more anxious and confused and was encouraged by her psychologist to resume the medications. While medicated, she made a long series of unhealthy decisions that adversely affected her well-being. In 1996, at the age of 29, my daughter committed suicide while still taking antidepressant medications while being monitored by a psychiatrist and seen on a weekly or more basis by her therapist - a psychologist.

I have since carefully studied the use of medications for depression. Based on research that includes findings from psychiatric journals, research papers, a UK warning to avoid the use of a popular SSRI antidepressant, recent warning by the FDA linking the possibility of suicide and worsening depression to the use of SSRI medications, I have formed several conclusions (my references are listed below):

The "symptoms of mental illness" -- confusion, withdrawal, and sleep disorder -- that Morgan Leslie exhibited after she began taking psychiatric medications were caused by the drugs she took.

The anxiety and confusion she experienced when tried to gradually withdraw from her medications were the result of a dependency on the drugs that evidenced withdrawal symptoms.

The method for suicide my daughter used matches the suicidal patterns of some SSRI users described in the references. I now believe my daughter died as a direct result of taking antidepressant medications.

This is my story, and I don't mean to imply that no one should ever take antidepressant medications, but in light of alternatives that are safer, I question their efficacy. A substantial body of research links symptoms of low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety to emotional trauma. Trauma based treatments use non-drug methods to repair the neural disruptions and accompanying symptoms. I believe that if our daughter had been helped to understand and to use her core feelings, rather than encouraged to blunt her emotions with brain altering medications, she would still be alive.

The stakes are high. 20 million Americans use antidepressant medications and spend billions of dollars on them. HMO's favor the use of prescribed drugs over long term therapy. The theory that mental illness is corrected by mind- and mood-altering medications avoids the stigma that comes from placing blame for mental illness on patients and/or their families.

Once you are aware of the possible dangers associated with the use of such medications and are aware of effective alternatives, talk with the professionals who are advising you, and make an informed decision about your course of treatment. Read the complete text of these concerns and warnings in the links below. My experiences and this information are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice but may help you with questions for your doctor.

Also, it is essential that patients taking any psychiatric medication do not suddenly discontinue use of the drug because of the risk of withdrawal reactions. Any changes must take place under medical supervision.

Online References About Medications for Depression

I am the managing editor for two other related websites, www.healingresources.info a website that focuses on early life developmental trauma and offers information and resources on this important new subject that pertains to many mental health issues, and www.Helpguide.org , which focuses on mental health and is a memorial to Leslie Morgan Segal.  The websites resources that follow can also be found, along with many others on the Helpguide site. 

Online resources for medications and depression

What causes Depression?

Is depression really caused by brain chemicals? An article from Psychology Today discussing other ways to look at the causes of depression.

Prescribing and Monitoring of Medications for Depression

Medications, National Institute of Mental Health article provides a wealth of information on the types of psychiatric medications, and questions to ask your healthcare professional.

For Depression, The Family Doctor May Not Be The Best Choice Healthyplace.com article explores the question of who should be prescribing medications for depression.

The Medications WhatMeds.com, created by a healthcare group and other professionals concerned with psychiatric drug use by pediatricians, provides an easy-to-read overview of the commonly prescribed psychiatric medications.

Potential Side Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms

When Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Drugs Don't Work and Getting Off Antidepressants Two HealthyPlace.com articles provide data on patients who do not get relief from SSRIs, describe the difficulties in going off the antidepressant medications and provide tips for minimizing Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome.

Persistent adverse neurological effects following SSRI discontinuation UK report discusses cases of prolonged aftereffects.

Controversy over Clinical Trials, Efficacy and Safety of Antidepressants

Clinical Trials Controversy Spotlights Flawed System Comprehensive Article in the July 2004 publication of the of the American Psychiatric Association states, "The ongoing controversy surrounding SSRIs in children is now threatening the very foundations of clinical drug research on the efficacy and safety of all of the drugs physicians prescribe."

FDA Antidepressant Suicide Warning a comprehensive analysis by McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web site

Are Antidepressants Worthless? a comprehensive analysis of the placebo effect by McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web site

Government Agency Warnings

Worsening Depression And Suicidality In Patients Being Treated With Antidepressant Medications FDA warning dated March 22, 2004

See related topics on www.Helpguide.org

Depression Signs, Types, Diagnosis and Treatments

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Mental Health Treatment

Holistic Mind/Body Mental Health Therapies  

Medications for Treating Depression and Anxiety: Making Informed Choices  

Alternatives to the Use of Psychiatric Medications -
Issues & Quiz:

A Note of Caution tells the story of my daughter Morgan Lesley's experience using antidepressant medications for the treatment of depressive symptoms.

Medication Red Flag Quiz gives you an opportunity to assess problems you may be having as a result of taking antidepressant medications.

Healing Emotional Disorders - An Alternative Approach describes groundbreaking research based on a new way of identifying and responding to many common mental health problems.

Return to home page for Alternatives to the Use of Psychiatric Medications.