List date(s) this work was published or aired.
3-Apr-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
In recent years, psychologists and others have argued that some psychiatric drugs, particularly antidepressants, are not better than sugar pills (placebos). My article reports on a “panoramic overview” of 127 meta-analyses that reveals psychiatric drugs, including antidepressants, are as efficacious as drugs used to treat general medical conditions.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
I reviewed a major review in the “British Journal of Psychiatry” as well as commentaries about the review and several other studies of antidepressants. The transcript from a “60 Minutes” television show on depression provided the impetus for the article.
Explain types of human sources used.
I interviewed John Davis, MD, a co-author of the meta-analyses.
Results:
Further discussions among psychiatrists.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Keep an open mind on controversial issues. If a statement or conclusion from “an expert” seems too biased, investigate further by reviewing recent research and e-mailing other “experts” with your questions.