The Influence of Pharmaceutical Industry on Antidepressant Studies

This chapter discusses the power and influence of the pharmaceutical industry over physicians in the publication of antidepressant studies. It explores the biases and manipulation that leads to poor-quality studies being filed away and only positive outcomes being reported. The chapter also highlights the controversial findings on the placebo effect in antidepressant trials and questions the efficacy of widespread antidepressant use.

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The biomedical model views mental disorders as brain diseases and emphasizes pharmacological treatments to address presumed biological abnormalities. This biologically focused approach has dominated the American healthcare system for decades, leading to an increase in psychiatric medication use and a perception of mental disorders as brain diseases caused by chemical imbalances.

Brett Deacon serves as an Associate Professor and Program Convener for Clinical Psychology at the University of Melbourne, Australia. His academic journey includes obtaining a PhD in clinical psychology from Northern Illinois University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. Over the past 15 years, he has contributed to academia and dedicated five years to full-time private practice.

With expertise in two key areas, Brett is recognized for his proficiency in exposure therapy for anxiety. Notably, he co-authored the book "Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice" (2nd edition), published by Guilford Press in 2019. His second area of focus revolves around critiquing psychiatry's biomedical model of "mental illness." His research encompasses the efficacy of antidepressants, publication bias in antidepressant trials, the impact of perceiving depressive experiences through a biomedical lens, and the validity and societal implications of the biomedical model.

The biomedical model of mental disorder: A critical analysis of its validity, utility, and effects on psychotherapy research

Note: This podcast episode is designed solely for informational and educational purposes, without endorsing or promoting any specific medical treatments. We strongly advise consulting with a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions or taking any actions.

*If you are in crisis or believe you have an emergency, please contact your doctor or dial 911. If you are contemplating suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK to speak with a trained and skilled counselor.

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