Doctors Push Back on Antidepressant Myths

Medical professionals in Tampa County are urging patients to approach antidepressant therapy as a component of a larger treatment plan rather than a standalone cure. Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, stated that the decision to start medication is highly individualized. She advised patients to consult with their providers when feelings of disconnection or low mood begin to disrupt sleep, energy levels, or daily motivation.

Rogers emphasized that antidepressants are not "happy pills." She explained that the medication does not eliminate sadness but helps the patient function well enough to address underlying issues. She cited chronic stress, thyroid imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies as potential factors that might be contributing to a patient's state. Gerontologist Sam Cradduck agreed, noting that medication addresses chemical imbalances in the brain to help a person reach a better state, but it does not change the external circumstances causing the distress.

Cradduck stressed that talk therapy is a necessary part of the process. She said the conversation does not have to be with a licensed therapist, but the patient must be willing to face the issues that led to the low mood. Without that willingness, she warned, the condition will continue in a cycle. "You can't just take a pill and be done," Cradduck said.

Aging expert Amy O'Rourke recommended that patients seek a thorough assessment from a psychiatrist to determine the correct drug and dose. She highlighted the importance of tracking how the medication affects the body. O'Rourke described a client who experienced a racing heartbeat and sweating, symptoms resembling a panic attack, after starting a new prescription. The client contacted her psychiatrist, who switched the medication.

Rogers warned that patients must understand withdrawal symptoms before beginning treatment. She stated that there are many possible side effects upon discontinuation and that one cannot simply stop the medication abruptly. She also suggested that genetic testing is a worthwhile investment for those who can afford it, as it can indicate how a person might respond to specific drugs.

Katherine Ambrose, an aging well coach, suggested combining medical support with journaling and positive mental habits. Rogers added that patients should check their thyroid, hormones, and nutrients. "Talk to your doctors, seek answers, get your rebound and come back," Ambrose said. She encouraged patients to try various approaches because it is worth bringing themselves back.