Drugs no better than placebo?
February 26th, 2008 . by adminThe 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 This latest study is significant because it has included certain trials that had not previously been available (unpublished trials).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.
Nancy, you are right. We need to treat the cause of the depression. All of us have different DNA and different metabolisms. Some herbs and vitamins work better than others. The first thing that is needed is proper nutrition and a good physical exam. As the director of Novus Medical Detox, I often see patients who are on alcohol or opioids, central nervous system depressants, also taking antidepressants. When they detox they find they don’t need the antidepressants.
This is good news because a Swedish study showed that 52% of the 2006 suicides by women on antidepressants. Since antidepressants work no better than placebos and are less effective than exercise in dealing with depression.
There is a prescription drug epidemic and these are leaders in the list of terrible abuses.
Steve Hayes
http://novusdetox.com