Posted by Bob on September 8, 1999, at 9:26:44
In reply to Anti-Placebo Effect, posted by Kathy on September 8, 1999, at 5:49:56
> Does anyone have any thoughts on whether your mind can make an antidepressant drug NOT work? I have failed to respond to a multitude of drugs and my ex-therapist more or less implied that this was because of my belief that I don`t deserve to improve and fears about how my life would change if I did. On the one hand it makes sense that if there can be a placebo effect there can also be an anti-placebo effect--on the other hand surely negative thoughts and beliefs are an inherent part of depression so in a way it`s blaming the victim.
Well, that could explain a lot for me (and the rest of us non-responders!). I doubt it, tho. What meds did your doc have you on? For how long? Did he give them an adequate trial? There are just so many issues in taking antidepressants -- it goes back to a comment on another thread: did you see a GP or a psychiatrist/psychopharmacologist? That comment to me sounds like a GP who hasn't done his homework. I, personally, **hated** the idea of going on meds. The notion of surrendering "control" to a chemical, by my upbringing, was the most "unmanly" thing I could do. I had a really strong desire to prove that the meds wouldn't help. I was wrong. I responded immediately. Not stabily, not for a 1.5 months or so, but I did respond.
(Given my drug response history, tho, I've always wondered about getting a placebo if I was in some study ... I'm sure that I'd show placebo side effects.)
Get a second opinion on that, from someone who knows psychopharms well.
Cheers,
Bob
poster:Bob
thread:11227
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991028/msgs/11242.html