Antidepressants have never been proven to save lives and may increase suicidal tendencies, says professor

Antidepressants have never been proven to save lives and may actually make some individuals suicidal, according to Joanna Moncrieff, a professor of psychiatry at University College London.

In an article published in Aftenposten, Moncrieff challenges the notion that psychiatrists believe depression stems from a chemical imbalance. She argues that even if psychiatrists acknowledge psychological and social factors, they maintain a biological cause exists without sufficient documentation.

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It has never been proven that antidepressants 'save lives'. On the contrary, they can actually make some people suicidal.

Moncrieff also questions the efficacy of antidepressants, noting that the difference between these drugs and placebos in clinical studies is very small. She suggests this difference is likely due to patients guessing whether they are taking the actual medication or a placebo. The professor emphasizes that these drugs alter the brain's normal chemistry, dampening both positive and negative emotions, regardless of a person's mood state. She concludes that people deserve to be informed about these potential harms to make well-informed choices about using antidepressants.

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People deserve to be informed about this, so they can make well-informed choices about whether to use antidepressants.