Last week, a study went viral that was widely promoted as proof positive that everything we know about antidepressants is wrong. Helmed by lead author Joanna Moncrieff, a professor of psychiatry at University College London, the study was an umbrella review of research into selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), one of the primary medications prescribed to people diagnosed with depression. Though most lay people believe that SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, thereby relieving symptoms of depression, the review of 50 years of studies concluded that there is “no clear evidence” that low serotonin levels cause depression to begin with.
The paper was widely picked up by media outlets in the United Kingdom, with some citing the study as evidence that SSRIs don’t work. It was shared and discussed by Pizzagate promoter Jack Posobiec on his podcast, as well as promoted extensively by far-right commentator and professional transphobe Matt Walsh, who tweeted, “Big Pharma has made billions prescribing wonder drugs to treat depression but there was never any solid scientific evidence that the drugs would work. Now we know that the whole thing was built on a myth.” Tucker Carlson spoke about the study on his show, characterizing it as a rejoinder against taking SSRIs in general. “First we were told that SSRIs would save lives. Now we learn they don’t actually work as intended. In fact, the whole idea behind the drug was completely wrong. And yet, and here is the best part, people are ignoring this news and the drugs are still being prescribed.”
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/ssri-right-wing-attack-joanna-moncrieff-1388067/
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