Episode 19: Should We be Deprescribing More SSRIs?

In this episode, we discuss the viral push to “de-prescribe” SSRIs. We outline common claims (overprescribing, lifelong use, “addiction,” inadequate withdrawal counseling, chemical-imbalance myths, and political/media narratives) and why these resonate given stigma, distrust of medicine and pharma, and negative personal stories. We review evidence-based SSRI use and typical treatment durations, note common side effects and limited long-term data, and fact check a frequently cited stat suggesting many long-term users don't need to be on meds at all. We review real “root causes” of anxiety and depression, compare effectiveness of SSRIs and psychotherapy, review lifestyle interventions and evidence for supplements, and highlight that most people with depression or anxiety receive no treatment. Sonia also shares a personal story from residency that highlights the role of bias, stigma, fear and importance of narrative in medicine as well as nuanced, compassionate counseling.00:00 Podcast Mission01:25 Patient Deprescribing Story03:38 Viral Claims Breakdown06:36 Why This Went Viral12:27 Ideal SSRI Use15:23 Long Term Use Data20:22 Root Causes Explained30:13 Evidence Based Treatments33:35 Lifestyle Is Bidirectional34:09 Exercise Sleep Diet Evidence36:36 Why Just Exercise Fails39:03 Omega-3 Supplement Reality41:30 SAMe And Other Supplements42:46 Nuanced Supplement Counseling46:23 Treatment Gap And Barriers48:51 Deprescribing Stigma Debate51:24 Clinical Takeaways And Tools56:07 Personal Story01:00:45 Doctors Sharing Humanity01:03:29 Wrap Up And DisclaimerTo receive professional continuing education credits for listening to our episodes- visit www.theantidocialdoctors.com to subscribe. You will receive an email with each new episode including a link to the episode, a written summary, and a link to claim your CME/CEs.📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com