Episode description

Dear Friends,

With over six decades of experience as a clinical psychologist, I've seen many trends come and go in mental health treatment. But rarely have I encountered information as potentially game-changing as what I'm sharing with you today.

In 2010, I interviewed journalist Robert Whitaker about his book Anatomy of an Epidemic on my NPR-affiliated radio show. The revelations in that conversation were so profound that I recently invited him back for an update, 14 years later.

This follow-up interview may be the most important broadcast in my 20-year history of hosting this program.

Whitaker's research exposes how the pharmaceutical industry has influenced American psychiatry, leading to the widespread prescription of antidepressants (SSRIs) to tens, if not hundreds of millions of people worldwide. He ushers ample data to show that these medications are not only often ineffective but may be making many patients worse.

Major media outlets are not covering this story. To me this suggests a concerning alliance between Big Pharma, psychiatry, and the press.

I urge you to listen to this interview. After listening, I encourage you to explore Whitaker's website, madinamerica.com, for more in-depth information.

I’m not trying to be sensationalistic. My aim is to empower you with knowledge that the mainstream media isn't providing. I believe you deserve to know the full story about treatments that may profoundly impact your well-being.

Remember, good health is worth fighting for. Sometimes that fight begins with seeking out uncomfortable truths.

Until next time,

Dr. Richard Louis Miller

P.S. If you find this information valuable, please share it widely. The more people who understand this issue, the better chance we have of creating positive change in our approach to mental health treatment.

Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication, where I share the tools and insights I've gathered over my 64-year career. To receive my weekly digest, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Links:

* Mad in America (Robert Whitaker's website): Mad in America

* "Anatomy of an Epidemic" by Robert Whitaker: Amazon

* STAR*D Study (mentioned in interview): NIMH STAR*D Study Overview and PubMed STAR*D Study Results

* World Health Organization report on mental health treatment: WHO Mental Health Report

* United Nations Special Rapporteur on Health report: UN Special Rapporteur on Health

* British Medical Journal article on STAR*D study reanalysis: BMJ Open STAR*D Reanalysis

* Psychiatric Times article discussing STAR*D reanalysis: Psychiatric Times STAR*D Reanalysis

* NIMH study on natural recovery rates from depression: NIMH Study on Depression Recovery

The Hidden Cost of Normalizing Obesity: A Personal and Professional Perspective

As someone who once weighed 300 pounds, I understand the emotional toll of obesity firsthand. However, we must address a concerning trend: the normalization of being overweight in our society.

With 72% of Americans now overweight or obese, we're seeing this reflected in media and workplaces. But normalizing a health risk is dangerous.

This isn't about shame or blame. It's about recognizing that excess weight compromises our immune system. Every pound of unnecessary fat diverts energy our bodies could use to fight disease and maintain health.

We need to have honest conversations about weight and health, balancing compassion with the urgency of addressing this public health crisis. Our immune systems – and our lives – may depend on it.

My Books:

* Freeing Sexuality: Psychologists, Consent Teachers, Polyamory Experts, and Sex Workers Speak Out

* Psychedelic Wisdom: The Astonishing Rewards of Mind-Altering Substances

* Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca

* Integral Psychedelic Therapy (co-edited with Jason A. Butler & Genesee Herzberg)