Changing my mind: one professor’s story of rethinking psychotropic medication

Abstract

Over the past few years, I have reconsidered the evidence base for psychotropic medications. Although not widely publicized or recognized, persuasive evidence suggests that psychotropic medications are less effective and more harmful than most believe. This is an emotionally charged topic that threatens the professional identity and livelihood of many individuals, leading to cognitive dissonance and cognitive biases of which we may be unaware. Personally, I experienced distress and cognitive dissonance in response to this new information, and I have begun to change my research goals and other professional activities as a result. I encourage others to: (a) examine divergent bodies of research literature and your reactions to this literature; and (b) be empathic when discussing and writing about these topics. If we can engage in open-minded, critical self-assessment and discourse, then we may ultimately improve how we care for each other during times of distress and suffering.