By Dr R B Chaudhary#

The Trump administration's recent announcement to scrutinize antidepressants has sparked concerns among mental health professionals and patients alike. As millions of Americans rely on these medications to manage depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, it's essential to separate fact from fiction. Here are six key things to know about antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

While commonly associated with depression, SSRIs are used to treat various mental health conditions, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. These drugs are called antidepressants, but they're used for a wide range of conditions, says psychiatrist Awais Aftab of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. SSRIs Have Side Effects, But They're Manageable

Like any medication, SSRIs can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Common side effects include upset stomachs, headaches, and reduced sexual desire. However, these can often be managed by adjusting the medication or dosage. No medication is perfect, says Giuseppe Guaiana, a clinical psychiatrist at Western University in London, Canada. But SSRIs are a step up from older drugs, which had more severe side effects.

Contrary to misconceptions, SSRIs are not addictive. Antidepressants are not addictive, because people don't get high, says Aftab. While SSRIs can cause dependency, this is different from addiction. It's like a heavy coffee drinker going cold turkey, Aftab explains. Their body has gotten used to the caffeine, and quitting it requires a period of adaptation.

Despite concerns, SSRIs have been shown to be beneficial for young people struggling with mental health issues. The field is not fast or hasty to provide SSRIs to children and adolescents, says Lisa Fortuna, chair of the American Psychiatric Association's Council on Children, Adolescents and Their Families. We take a comprehensive approach, walking patients and their parents through different treatment options and discussing the risks and benefits of each.

Unfortunately, mental health stigma still exists, with some people viewing depression as a personal weakness rather than a serious medical condition. Stigmatizing attitudes about psychiatric medications are still fairly common, says Aftab. SSRIs, in particular, have been questioned since their popularity grew in the 1990s. We need to educate people that SSRIs are medications for mental illness, just like insulin is medication for diabetes, says Fortuna.

While SSRIs have been widely used for decades, there's still much to be learned about how they work and their long-term effects. We're not completely in the dark, but there's definitely more we need to know, says Guaiana. Further research is needed to understand how SSRIs perform over years of use, their potential side effects, and how they interact with other medications.

As the Trump administration's review of antidepressants approaches, it's essential to rely on scientific evidence and expert opinions rather than misconceptions and stigma. By understanding the facts about SSRIs and mental health, we can work towards providing better support and treatment for those affected. (# Author is Senior Journalist Associated with Hindusthan Samachar as Tamilnadu State Representative)

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary