Episode 4

The Truth About Depression and Brain Chemistry

In this episode, host Katinka Blackford Newman explores the causes of depression and the myth of the chemical imbalance. Her guest is psychiatrist Professor Joanna Moncrieff, author of a groundbreaking new book 'Chemically Imbalanced' which has caused waves in the media. Her book exposes how we have all been sold a lie: that mental illness, particularly depression has been proved to be caused by a chemical imbalance that medication can cure.

They explore the alternative explanations for the causes of depression and the consequences of prolonged antidepressant usage.

Key topics include emotional blunting, sexual dysfunction, increased risks of falls and fractures in older adults, bleeding associated with SSRIs, risks to unborn babies, and potential withdrawal syndrome in newborns. Additionally, the episode touches upon the possible links between antidepressants and increased heart problems as well as cognitive decline.

Professor Moncrieff provides valuable insights into the causes of depression and the importance of understanding the implications of antidepressant use.

00:00 Introduction to Antidepressant Risks

00:10 Emotional Blunting and Sexual Dysfunction

00:15 Risks for Older Adults

00:27 Bleeding and Pregnancy Risks

00:44 Withdrawal Syndrome in Newborns

01:00 Heart Problems and Cognitive Decline

01:09 Summary of Adverse Effects

With thanks to Iain Mitchell for his video editing skills

Professor Moncrieff's book "Chemically Imbalanced"is widely available including at Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chemically-Imbalanced-Making-Unmaking-Serotonin/dp/180399679X

If you would like to have a conversation with host Katinka Blackford Newman about coaching , please book a call here , you can email her at Katinka@kbnlifecoaching and you can visit her coaching site at www.kbnlifecoaching.co.uk

You can find out more about the potential risks of antidepressants at www.Antidepressantrisks.org - a not for profit founded by host Katinka Blackford Newman.

​​If you'd like to watch the video version of this interview, you can watch it here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpZDWN8GW2g

About the Podcast

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The Med Free Mental Fitness Podcast

About your host

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Katinka Blackford Newman

Katinka Blackford Newman is a life coach, bestselling author of The Pill That Steals Lives, a book about her experience of mental health medication and a journalist writing for national newspapers. She is founder of the not for profit Antidepressantrisks.org which campaigns against unnecessary prescribing and provides a platform for people who have been harmed by mental health medication. She is a former award-winning and Emmy nominated documentary film maker, she lives in London with her two children and two cats! She is also a qualified personal fitness trainer and is passionate about the role of physical exercise in improving mental health.
For life coaching enquiries please contact her at Katinka@kbnlifecoaching.co.uk