British psychiatrist and author David Healy joined Rodney to discuss critical insights into the pharmaceutical industry, particularly the manipulation of research and the widespread prescribing of drugs like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Dr Healey shares his journey of accidental involvement in serotonin research, which granted him unique access to pharmaceutical practices. He reveals how antidepressants, though beneficial for some, pose significant risks such as suicidal ideation and permanent side effects, concerns that are often downplayed in ghostwritten medical literature. He critiques the reliance on randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which, he argues, ignore individual patient responses and prioritise short-term results, often at the expense of long-term safety. He emphasises the erosion of trust in doctors due to a system prioritising pharmaceutical profits over genuine patient care, creating a climate where individuals struggle to stop medications once prescribed.

Dr Healey also advocates for relationship-based medicine over evidence-based models, urging doctors to listen to patients and recognise the lived experiences of those on medications. He highlights the societal pressures driving the over-prescription of antidepressants, particularly among teenagers, often under the guise of addressing mental health. But he remains optimistic about the potential for change, encouraging patients to prioritise trusted, empathetic doctors while maintaining their own autonomy and scepticism when navigating healthcare decisions.

Find out more about Dr David Healy’s work here:

Dr. David Healy – Psychiatrist. Psychopharmacologist. Scientist. Author

The blog article discussed in this interview:
Blog – Dr. David Healy