May 2023: When interviewed* for this podcast about antidepressants Professor Carmine Pariante said: “It is important that when we have this media debate it is always balanced”.
June 2024: Professor Pariante has this opinion published in The Guardian:
In his commentary Professor Pariante refers to this recently published meta-analysis of short-term studies [generally 8 -12 weeks] on antidepressant prescribing:
The word “addiction” does not feature in this published meta-analysis. Not once.
I am not on social media but I understand that the President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists has shared Professor Pariante’s article, as published in The Guardian, with this message [capitals as written by the President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists]:
“This is a MUST read”.
Nearly 30 years ago I was prescribed an SSRI for my anxiety. My GP explained to me that it would “fix my chemical imbalance”.
Ever since I have been physiologically dependent on my SSRI antidepressant. I have no craving for it. But if I miss a tablet I feel terrible. In trying to “discontinue it” I have suffered hell and so have my family. I have never once argued that my experience ‘applies to all’.
Patient safety matters. This is why balanced and impartial perspectives on what a study can and cannot say are so important. Here, this Guardian opinion fails. Terribly so.
I reckon that we all agree with Professor Pariante that balance is important. Yet psychiatry has gone astray from balance. Again and again.
Footnote:
*My review of the May 2023 podcast about antidepressants with Professor Pariante can be read here.
You’re speaking truth and sponsored only by those whose own skin is or has been involved. The guilds continue to market what helps them. Corporate control for the good of their bottom lines.