The Depression Trap

The latest study from the University of Hull suggests that antidepressants are no better than placebos for those with mild to moderate depression. This is a topic that is hotly debated and one I have touched on in my book. This latest study is significant because it has included certain trials that had not previously been available (unpublished trials). In total the team reviewed 47 clinical trials.

As usual the drug companies are quick to criticise the study. However, it has long been argued by some that drug companies keep quiet about the trials that show their products in a bad light. How are we to know if this is true or not? Can we have any confidence in studies that don’t have access to all the data?

Although the latest study certainly adds weight to the arguments against the use of antidepressants, it shouldn’t change the current NICE recommendation, as this already states that antidepressants should not be the first treatment of choice for mild to moderate depression. It does raise some really interesting questions about the power of placebo. If people can experience dramatic improvements when taking a drug that should have no significant effect then this suggests that the placebo effect may be worth harnessing. However, in order for a placebo to work it would have to be marketed as an actual drug, which raises enormous ethical dilemmas. Would you rather be lied to and take an inactive placebo with no side effects that made you feel better because you believe it will, or take an active drug of disputed effectiveness, that has side effects and also makes you feel better because you believe it will?

As I suggest in my book we still don’t understand the causes of depression and it may turn out that antidepressants do help certain people with depression, but not others. This could explain why studies can show such varying results. However, as the weight of evidence swings against antidepressants it is well worth exploring the other options available to you such as counselling, exercise, diet and yoga.

A recent report from the Associate Parliamentary Food and Health Forum has provided more support for the idea that some depression may be linked to low omega 3 intake. The Report looks at the link between nutrition and mental health generally, but the conclusions on depression in section 3 are of particular interest. Although more research is needed I would strongly recommend that anyone suffering from depression makes sure that they are not deficient in omega 3.  Omega 3 is good for your health generally anyway, so there is really no down side. You can either take supplements or make sure that you eat foods high in omega 3 (or both). For non vegetarians that means plenty of oily fish and for vegetarians the best source is flax seed oil.

 You can read the full report for yourself here.

The aim of this blog is to keep you updated on information about depression that has come to my attention since the publication of THE DEPRESSION TRAP. There are new articles being published on depression almost every day, some containing useful new informtion, but others mis-reporting and adding to the confusion. I can’t promise to cover everything, as there is simply too much material, but I will aim to address the more important new discoveries, studies and ideas.

The Depression Trap was officially launched on 18 February at a charity launch party in Wokingham Town Hall. The evening was a great success with over £150 raised for the Depression Alliance. You can view the photos here.

The next phase of our launch is to find new places to sell and market the book both online and in local bookshops. So far I have arranged for it to be stocked in Bookends in Wokingham, plus it is available on Amazon. On the marketing side I am concentrating on online marketing and networking for the next month or so. Please let me know if you have any ideas.

As a first time author receiving my first order over the internet was very exciting. I am now looking forward to my official book launch on 18 February. This is taking place at Wokingham Town Hall and there are a few tickets left if you are interested in coming along. All profits from the evening are being donated to the Depression Alliance. Entrance is free, but there will be a raffle and of course, copies of my book on sale. Light refreshments will be provided and someone from the Deperssion Alliance will be giving a short talk.