Reply #31: Benefits vs. Risks

[HuckleB]

As someone who has lost his only brother, a good friend, and far too many acquaintances (usually good friends of my good friends) to suicide following untreated and self-medicated depression and other issues, and as someone who knows the benefits that many friends and acquaintances (more than a few of whom made suicidal gestures prior to treatment) have derived from SSRI treatment and SSRI/therapy combined treatment, it's very difficult for me to read the total denunciation of psychiatry, psychology, SSRIs and psychotropic medications in general on this board.

It's difficult to step back from it all, especially in the face of loss. Believe me, I know firsthand. But for the sake of others, I believe we must. I hope that conversation on these matters can evolve to a more constructive effort.

Study: Benefits of Antidepressants Outweigh Risks
http://health.yahoo.com/news/57904