Metabolic Mind What’s the connection between Depression, antipsychotics, and suicide risk?
Jun 23, 2025
In this engaging discussion, psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede, who advocates for metabolic therapies in mental health, delves into the complexities of treatment-resistant depression. She questions the traditional use of antipsychotics and highlights surprising links to suicide risk. Ede shares insights from new studies on the metabolic side effects of these medications and promotes alternative approaches like ketogenic therapy. This thought-provoking conversation challenges conventional treatments and underscores the potential of dietary interventions for better mental health outcomes.
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Understanding Treatment-Resistant Depression
- Treatment-resistant depression is defined by failure to respond to two antidepressants within a year.
- Psychiatrists often turn to antipsychotics for these cases despite unclear benefits for suicide risk.
Metabolic Side Effects of Antipsychotics
- Antipsychotics cause serious metabolic side effects like glucose spikes and weight gain.
- These side effects reduce life quality and lifespan despite possible symptom relief.
Antipsychotics Don't Lower Suicide Risk
- Antipsychotics do not reduce suicide deaths or attempts in treatment-resistant depression cases.
- They may increase all-cause mortality, challenging their risk-benefit balance.