5 Myths About Antidepressants
Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed treatments for depression, yet misconceptions about how they work and who they help remain widespread.
Myth 1: Antidepressants Work by Fixing Low Serotonin
For decades, it was widely believed that depression stemmed from low serotonin levels and that antidepressants corrected this "chemical imbalance." However, research now suggests depression is far more complex.
Antidepressants don’t simply “boost serotonin.” Instead, they appear to affect brain connectivity, neuroplasticity, and other processes that improve mental health over time. Emerging theories suggest that anti-depressants:
Increased Brain Connectivity: Antidepressants enhance communication between brain regions involved in mood regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. This improved connectivity may help regulate emotions and foster resilience.
Promotion of Neuroplasticity: By encouraging new neural connections, antidepressants can help the brain adapt and function more effectively. This may explain why it takes weeks for their effects to be noticeable.
Boost in BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): Antidepressants may increase levels of this protein, which supports the growth, repair, and resilience of brain cells.
While serotonin may play a role, it’s clear antidepressants are not a one-size-fits-all "fix" for a simple chemical imbalance.
Myth 2: Antidepressants Are Just Placebos
It’s true that in clinical trials, antidepressants often outperform placebos by a modest margin. However, this doesn’t mean they’re “just placebos.”
The average results can obscure the fact that antidepressants work very well for some people but less effectively for others. Studies show that they tend to be most beneficial for moderate to severe depression.
Myth 3: Antidepressants Are the Only Option
Antidepressants are not the only—or even the first—treatment for all severities of depression, especially mild to moderate cases.
Therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can be just as effective as antidepressants, particularly for mild depression.
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, improving sleep, and reducing alcohol use can also have a significant impact.
Combination treatments—medication alongside therapy or lifestyle adjustments—often provide the best outcomes.
There are many ways!!!! Medication is a tool, but not the only one in the mental health toolkit.
Myth 4: Antidepressants Work for Everyone
Not everyone benefits from antidepressants in the same way. While they can be life-changing for some, others may find little to no improvement.
This variability underscores the importance of personalized treatment plans. Depression is a complex condition with different causes and symptoms for each individual. Antidepressants tend to work best for moderate to severe depression, while other approaches may be more suitable for mild cases
Myth 5: You Need to Take Antidepressants Forever
Many people worry that starting antidepressants means being on them for life. In reality, antidepressants are not necessarily intended for long-term use, and the decision to continue or stop them depends on individual circumstances.
Short-term use: Some people use antidepressants temporarily to manage symptoms during a particularly challenging period.
Long-term management: For others, especially those with recurrent or severe depression, staying on medication for an extended period can help prevent relapses.
The key is that this should always be an open and ongoing conversation between you and your healthcare provider. If and when discontinuation is considered, it’s crucial to do so under medical supervision to reduce withdrawal effects and ensure a safe transition.
The Takeaway
Antidepressants are a valuable tool in managing moderate to severe depression, but they aren’t a “cure” or a one-size-fits-all solution.
Depression treatment works best when it’s tailored to the individual, combining medication (when needed) with therapy, lifestyle changes, and a compassionate support system.
Finding the right treatment and support can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. We can help create a comprehensive mental health care plan tailored to your needs. From exploring underlying causes, comprehensive bloodwork, therapy, lifestyle changes and nutritional support to discussing medication options, we’ll work together to find what’s best for you.
Book an appointment today to take charge of your mental health and discover the treatment options available to support your well-being.
