The SSRIs have always been controversial. Some studies claim they're rarely more effective than placebos, but more often than not they're effective enough with

The SSRIs have always been controversial. Some studies claim they're rarely more effective than placebos, but more often than not they're effective enough with a pretty safe profile, this article not withstanding. The safe profile is one of the reasons they're probably over prescribed, along with the high profitability. Many doctors give them out like candy, even though many people probably don't suffer from the physiological ailments that the drugs target. There is little debate, though, on the statistical efficacy of the older (less profitable, off patent) tricyclics and especially MAOI class of drugs. Unfortunately, the side effects of these drugs are far more serious. Most GPs will not even prescribe them, as only psychiatrists will have experience. But for someone with lifelong treatment resistant depression, they can be a God-send. Asd as far as barbaric, realize that the most effective treatment for depression is still electric shock therapy.