Why, for some, psychotherapy might be a better treatment for depression than drugs [Video]

During a psychotherapy session, one of my patients reported to me that the antidepressants he’d been prescribed by his GP had “killed his desire”. He felt “dead inside”, he told me. Unfortunately, this wasn’t an isolated case. I’ve heard similar descriptions of the effects of antidepressants from many patients. Many say they feel like “zombies”.

However, some patients report that these drugs are helpful – even essential – in the management of their mental health.

Antidepressants, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and popular anti-anxiety medication benzodiazepines can offer a sense of hope to those suffering with debilitating mental health issues.

They can also help patients to foster a sense of confidence, optimism and belief in their own ability to recover. Some patients feel that the medication functions as a “stepping-stone” to improved health.

Other patients complain that the side effects of the medication, which can include nausea, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, agitation, nervousness and weakness, can be worse than …