Today the BBC reported on recent research that has provided evidence that anti-depressants often do no more to help people suffering from depression than placebos. It seems that many people that are prescribed medication would fair better with a combination increased social contact, and regular exercise. Martial Arts classes could be an ideal solution.

“New generation anti-depressants have little clinical benefit for most patients, research suggests. A University of Hull team concluded the drugs actively help only a small group of the most severely depressed. Marjorie Wallace, head of the mental health charity Sane, said that if these results were confirmed they could be very disturbing. Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary, has announced that 3,600 therapists are to be trained during the next three years in England to increase patient access to talking therapies, which ministers see as a better alternative to drugs. Patients are strongly advised not to stop taking their medication without first consulting a doctor.” Source: BBC Health.

Dr Tim Kendall, deputy director of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Research Unit, has published research concluding that drug companies tend only to publish research which shows their products in a good light.

However, Dr Richard Tiner of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry said that “these medicines have been licensed by a number of regulatory authorities around the world, who looking at all the evidence, have determined that they do work better than placebo”.

More research is required to determine to what extent these medicines are no better than a placebo. Further trials will be undertaken. In the meantime, people suffering depression should consider alternative therapies in addition to their medication, such as exercise and social groups.