As a psychiatrist, I feel compelled to address the growing misinformation surrounding selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), particularly in light of recent statements made by United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
His claims about the dangers of SSRIs contribute to a broader narrative that undermines the safety and efficacy of these life-changing medications. Beyond that, his statements also set us back decades in the fight against the stigma surrounding mental health treatment.
While healthy skepticism about pharmaceuticals is important, it is equally vital to rely on scientific evidence and medical expertise when discussing mental health treatments. Unfounded, fear-mongering statements only serve to discourage people from seeking life-changing treatment, leaving millions to suffer in silence.
SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro), are among the most widely prescribed medications for depression and anxiety disorders. Their effectiveness has been established through decades of rigorous clinical research, demonstrating significant benefits for millions of patients worldwide. Depression and anxiety are serious medical conditions with profound consequences if left untreated, including an increased risk of suicide, disability, and diminished quality of life. By improving mood regulation, SSRIs help individuals regain control over their emotions, relationships, and daily functioning.
Contrary to alarmist rhetoric, SSRIs are generally safe and well-tolerated when prescribed appropriately. Like all medications, they have potential side effects, but these are typically mild and manageable. The notion that SSRIs drive people to violence or suicidal behavior is a misrepresentation of data. In fact, untreated depression poses a far greater risk for suicide than the medications designed to treat it. Studies consistently show that SSRIs reduce suicide risk in most populations, particularly when used under proper medical supervision.
One of the most alarming statements made by RFK Jr. was the suggestion that school shootings could somehow be attributed to the use of SSRIs. This claim is not only unfounded but also a dangerous myth. Research has shown that most school shooters were not on SSRIs—and, in fact, they could have potentially benefited from such treatment. This is yet another example of how a single misleading statement can exacerbate stigma and deter people from seeking necessary mental health care.
Public figures like RFK Jr. wield considerable influence, and when they spread unfounded fears about psychiatric medications, they discourage people from seeking the help they need. Misinformation can lead to unnecessary suffering, as individuals may avoid or discontinue treatment based on misconceptions rather than medical advice. The stigma surrounding mental health care remains a major barrier, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that science—not sensationalism—guides our conversations and decisions.
As a psychiatrist, I urge patients and their families to talk with their mental healthcare provider, whose only goal is to provide you with evidenced based treatment in order to lead a healthy, productive, meaningful life. Mental health conditions deserve the same evidence-based approach as any other medical issue.
While SSRIs are not a panacea, they are a valuable tool in our arsenal against depression and anxiety. Rather than succumbing to fearmongering, we must champion informed, compassionate, and science-driven discussions about mental health care.
Katherine Pannel, DO FAPA
President-Elect Mississippi Psychiatric Association
Oxford, Mississippi
