rebafan asked this question on 4/22/2000:

I've spent the last four hours reading some of the answers here. At least one "expert" is blatantly, fundamentally ignorant about depression: PLEASE take care when reading replies in this forum! Just because a person claims to be an "expert" does not mean that a person is! If you see any "expert" suggest Scientology or CCHR, please be very, very cautious when considering that person's reply.

ECT is an excellent and effective treatment for depression that resists all other treatments. It is safe and effective.

Anti-depressants are also totally safe and effective. They do not make one "worse," nor do they make you "angry" or "violent." If you read an "expert" who says otherwise, please realize that that "expert" does not know what she or he is talking about.

PLEASE seek expert medical advice from trained medical professionals--- take what you read in this forum with great skepticism. If you read an answer from an "expert" that suggests you not seek psycological or psychiatric advice and treatment, dismiss such "advice" because that "expert" does not know what she or he is talking about.

Your mental health and well-being is far, far too important to risk on taking advice from self-professed "experts" in this forum. Your telephone book will list psychiatric and psychological experts for you, and provide you with actual help and advice.

PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS HERE!

ScreenMentor gave this response on 4/22/2000:

While I agree that psychiatry has come very far in the treatment of mental and emotional disorders it has not developed cures and does not have all the answers. Personally, I take medication for depression and anxiety and I see a therapist on a regular basis.

However, anti-depressants are NOT "totally safe and effective". MAO inhibitors are one of the most dangerous meds out there due to their effect on blood pressure. There are side effects and contra-indications for all of them. And personally, I can tell you there is nothing quite as horrendous as a Paxil headache! Any patients taking medication should let their doctors know if they have any changes or effects besides the intended ones.

I've seen people derive much benefit from Self-Help support groups. I've seen people taking herbs and seen their moods improve.

Many people find comfort in religion or spirituality.

Certainly people should be skeptical about any advice given them. They should be skeptical about the advice they receive from doctors too. Doctors are human and do make mistakes. The thing to do is keep the lines of communication open. ASK QUESTIONS and keep asking until you are satisfied that you understand the answers and feel certain that they are right for YOU.

The average rating for this answer is 4.8.

rebafan rated this answer a 5.