[Wanderlust90]

So I came across an article shared multiple times on facebook from many different sources claiming 2 handfuls of cashews a day is as effective as a therapeutic dose of Prozac. I'm so angry, not only does it demonstrate a complete lack of understanding of the infinitly complex mechanisms of depression & its treatment, it's totally condescending to those suffering who in fact use antidepressants, like we're just stupid sheep that do whatever we are told when all we need is some nuts. Many of those sharing it essentially claim that medical experts in the field of psychiatry are colluding with big pharma to force pills down our throats for financial benefit. It just breeds mistrust.

[venusss]

Maybe they are. Maybe Prozac is crap. Or maybe nuts ARE effective. No need to get angry unless you are maker of prozac

[Wanderlust90]

I've no doubt that cashews are packed full of the good stuff, but simply because a food contains tryptophan does not mean it alone treats depression & it's condescending to judge others based on their choice to persue medications to treat their suffering. This article was from a fitness blog (pretty sure it's on many alternative therapy sites), & although I think alternative therapies are beneficial I think the article is misleading & lacks scientific evidence, only breeding judgement, misunderstanding & distrust, maybe resulting in some not looking for help to ease their suffering because of stigma & the belief that they can cure mental illness with nuts. Mind you I believe a healthy diet & exercise defiantly improve symptoms of depression.

Maybe may main point is that facebook is a wealth of misinformation, many don't question the "facts" put forth.

[still_crazy]

the big problem isn't that nuts are awesome and we're missing out, the really, really big problem is that most antidepressants aren't that great, at least in big trials.

My understanding is that severe depression responds to antidepressants, but milder cases don't and they often have more adverse effects than benefits, anyway.

Antidepressants are prescribed like candy in the US and some other places. That results in people who don't need them taking them and then declaring "the pills don't work!" and "I was better off without the pills!," etc.

I take a high dose of wellbutrin, personally. My depression--which often involves psychotic features--has responded nicely, with no major adverse effects. I also take a lot of supplements, which probably help reduce+prevent adverse effects, if nothing else. That's the other point; healthy eating, supplements, yoga, etc. can be done with Rx treatments, if needed. It doesn't need to be an either/or situation.

Are they really? Is this what studies are actually showing?

[ComfortablyNumb5]

Yes it's the same as taking the vitamin 5-htp, which I take twice a day.

With all the news about fake articles on FB these days, remember to take everything you read with a grain of salt. Educate yourself and do your own research from reputable sources.

It took me about 2 minutes to find the article you reference and another two to find information about the writer of that information. Let's just say he's a bit of a scam artist extraordinaire. He has multiple websites that are all very self-promotional.

[Acorn Oaktree]

It's all about taking in information, finding the sources and researching them, and then doing your own research and making your own choices. You really can't believe everything you hear, even if it does come from a "trusted" source. Look at the case of Thalidimide, for example.

The bad news is mental health isn't cut and dry and you can educate yourself into a doctorate and then the new studies can show something entirely different from what you learned with the release of the new DSM. I do research as much as the next person and it still doesn't keep me from being wrong occasionally nor does it change the fact that other people are full of it from time to time also. I'm interested in reading the finding or studies done on psych meds and I will be the judge on if the information and controls used are credible. I get it wrong sometimes sure, but I learn something when I'm wrong so it all works out.

[Acorn Oaktree]

ElsaMars..........

Exactly!

[Unrigged64072835]

I eat cashews all day long. I can't tell whether it helps or not.

[ComfortablyNumb5]

Cashews are pretty good though lol. Same chemical in turkey. L-tryptophan. So we're all going to be slap happy on thanksgiving??

[Wanderlust90]

I agree that many antidepressants appear to be ineffective or of minimal effectiveness for many, often causing undue side effects, I had this same experience with pristiq & prozac, I began to lose trust in psychiatry, then I was commenced on zoloft & haven't looked back since (I stand to gain no financial benefit from the sales of zoloft lol!).

Lolagrace, thank you, this was my point. Alternative therapies are awesome but just like with those who claim to have the cure for cancer, many alternative therapy articles I have found that claim big pharma is just out for your money & is trying to make you sick actually stand to make money from their own products & so are almost doing the same thing but without rigorous scientific method, meta analysis of years of medical research & practise etc.

ElsaMars, your so right, every time we think we "know" something, new evidence is put forth, but that's the beauty of it I suppose, were continuously learning.

Thanks again for everyone's awesome replies

[Wanderlust90]

Originally Posted by ElsaMars

Are they really? Is this what studies are actually showing?

Some studies (that I have read) have suggested there may be some benefit in taking 5HTP (usually with carbidopa?) but they were smaller samples & open studies, so no placebo controlled testing, & its suggested more research needs to be done before it can be widely recommended.