“Depression, we are told over and over again, is a brain disease, a chemical imbalance that can be adjusted by antidepressant medication. In an informational brochure issued to inform the public about depression, the US National Institute for Mental Health… — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
The one thing we do know is that the chemical imbalance theory - the theory that people get depressed when they don't have enough serotonin in their brain - we know that that's wrong. — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
Depression is not caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and it is not cured by medication. Depression may not even be an… — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
To someone who is not currently on anti-depressants, I would suggest trying other treatments first - for example, psychotherapy. — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
“Many of the benefits of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) can be obtained without going into therapy. There are a number of self-help books, CDs… — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
Nocebos often cause a physical effect, but it's not a physically produced effect. What's the cause? In many cases, it's an unanswered question. — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
“The results of decades of neurotransmitter-depletion studies point to one inescapable conclusion: low levels or serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine do not cause depression. here… — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
Perhaps 10 percent of patients who are prescribed antidepressants are really benefiting from the drugs' active ingredients. — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
Patients who trust their doctors and have a psychological expectation of getting better could trigger a reaction in their body. — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
Anything that instills a sense of hope will at least temporarily help treat depression. — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
“Our analyses of the FDA data showed relatively little difference between the effects of antidepressants and the effects of placebos. Indeed, the effects were… — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
Perhaps anti-depressants should be best reserved for the very extreme cases and, more importantly, for those who do not respond to alternative forms of… — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
If doctors just spent more time with their patients so they felt more reassured, that might help. — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
There seems little reason to prescribe anti-depressant medication to any but the most severely depressed patients. — Irving Kirsch Copy Share Image
