What Patients Aren’t Told About Psychiatric Drug Safety Data | Dr. Josef

On the Evolving Wellness Podcast, host Sarah interviews board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Josef Dering, who previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry and as an FDA medical officer in psychiatry drug safety. He explains why he now believes psychiatric medications don’t work for most conditions and describes how time-pressured, checklist-based care and “chemical imbalance” narratives lead to escalating drug cocktails without addressing root causes. He warns that benzodiazepines may help short term but can worsen anxiety over time, cause interdose withdrawal, degrade sleep architecture, and impair concentration, making them a “Faustian bargain,” and stresses slow, supervised tapering due to difficult withdrawal. Dering outlines non-drug approaches targeting body, mind, and “soul” (health behaviors, skills-based therapies, relationships, and meaning). He also argues high-potency THC cannabis increases psychosis risk and may lead to long recoveries and misdiagnosis.Connect withj Dr Josef - https://www.youtube.com/@taperclinichttps://www.instagram.com/drjosefwittdoerring/ _________Sponsored By:→ Bon Charge | Go to https://boncharge.com/products/demi-red-light-device?rfsn=8108115.26608d & use code SARAHKLEINER for 15% off storewide.→ VivaRays | This episode is sponsored by VivaRays - VivaRays Blue - code YOGI https://vivarays.com/ → Organifi | For an exclusive offer, go to https://www.organifi.com/SARAHK for 20% off your order._________Timestamp:00:00 Benzos Quick Relief00:55 Episode Setup Disclaimer02:29 Podcast Intro Housekeeping03:42 Meet Dr Dering04:30 Why He Questions Meds07:19 FDA Safety Reality Check08:44 Host Story Benzos12:16 Sponsor Red Light14:29 Benzos Faustian Bargain15:48 Body Mind Soul Framework21:42 Sponsor Blue Blockers23:09 Motivation Rock Bottom26:30 Medical Trust Broken29:12 Suicidality on Med Cocktails31:23 Withdrawal Trap and Tapering34:20 PR Narrative Around Antidepressants36:22 Meds and Mass Violence Debate39:27 Gender Ideology in Schools42:57 Cannabis Mental Health Risks44:26 THC Potency and Psychosis Data48:54 Paranoia as Warning Sign51:34 Safe Tapering and Final Advice——— This video is not medical advice & as a supporter to you and your health journey - I encourage you to monitor your labs and work with a professional!________________________________________Get all my free guides and product recommendations to get started on your journey!https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/all-free-resourcesCheck out all my courses to understand how to improve your mitochondrial health & experience long lasting health! (Use code PODCAST to save 10%) -  https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/coursesMy free product guide with all product recommendations and discount codes:https://www.canva.com/design/DAF7mlgZpJI/xVyE4tiQFEWJmh_Xwx8Kbw/view?utm_content=DAF7mlgZpJIFree Webinar on Light & Health (includes free light bulb guide) - https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/mycircadianapp-free-webinarGet Early Access to Podcast Episodes & my Seasonal Food Course + UVB+Red Light Therapy course for free -  https://open.substack.com/pub/sarahkleinerwellness/p/uvbred-light-protocol?r=5eztl9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true