BBC Panorama June 19, 2023: The antidepressant story

[ardyes]

Im surprised this hasn't been posted. There is a breif interview with Altostrata, David Healy as well as Luke Montagu. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001n39z#:~:text=Panorama examines whether the current,made the pharmaceutical industry billions

 

It is also on ABC Iview for Australian members. 

 

https://iview.abc.net.au/video/NC2303H031S00

 

 

[Catina7]

There's already a thread about it here:

 

 

[JanCarol]

On 6/25/2023 at 6:42 PM, Erimus said:

I think it would be good to see a programme orientated on 4-5 people in withdrawal, following them over a period of 1-3 years, with updates every 3 months or so. 

I wanted to write a play about this.  5 stories, 5 experiences.  I spoke to a couple of playwrights - but - they didn't get it.  "But I know someone, they need their meds....."

 

Imagine my delight when I accidentally tuned into ABC Four Corners and saw the Panorama show.  OMG - there's Alto on my TV!!!!  And our Website!!!!  Good to see Horowitz and Healy & Moncrieff - I was bouncing up and down on the couch!

 

To address some of the complaints here - YES, withdrawal is horrible, but BBC are just opening a door.  They can't show the horrors yet. (note, it is 2 state sponsored services - supposedly free of pharma money - who have aired this.)    Mark tried to discuss the horrors (hubby said, all the recovered people looked so - normal, I said - because it can happen to anyone!) so their tactic was, instead, "imagine if you lost your sexuality?" also effective.  I think they focused on the stories of professionals.  I'm also grateful that they went to Alto, and not any of the spin-off sites, or Facebook.   Hubby was a bit teary to see this stuff finally discussed over the mainstream.  He knows how hard we have fought.

It's now an open mic.  Keep educating those around you.   It took 40 years from Surgeon General's Report in 1962 to prove that tobacco was harmful, and that they knew all along.  

[JanCarol]

Rather than edit my above comment, I'm going to add - 

 

When the former Chief Psychiatrist at the (NIMH?) said sorry - her body language, her face, told me that all she had previously believed had been broken, that she was beaten down.  New awareness.  She is no longer in the office - but - bravo UK for leading the way!

 

SEEING THAT was worth the price of admission.

And, of course, bravo Alto - you presented beautifully!

[jon1]

One thing I’ve noticed since this documentary was shown, is how my family are treating me with just that bit more understanding.

 

My partner has always supported me 100%, but I’ve always had that sense that other family members - while sympathetic - never really understood what I was going through, didn’t quite get how I could still be experiencing withdrawal after a couple of years.

 

They all watched the documentary when it aired, and it was like a switch was flipped. I think it was probably seeing lots of other ‘normal’ people describing the same thing, and medical professionals confirming it is all real.

 

It just goes to show how important TV documentaries like this are in raising awareness and legitimising those going through it.

[Ryder]

I just wanted to add that this aired in Australia under our ABC channel which operates very similar to the UK's BBC. 

 

I was glad to see Alto and others like Mark Horowitz on there. Also, the apology from the Royal College Person seemed a bit insincere, I mean how could have no body come forward and told her throughout all these years ? However, I will take it as it is better than nothing. 

 

One last thing, it was really good to show my Dad as he had no idea about withdrawal despite my best efforts to explain. He has just seen me go through the works and be unable to leave the house. It was good for him to see other people, who lead active lives, give their experiences into words that maybe family members can understand. 

[LostInCanada]

5 hours ago, Ryder said:

Also, the apology from the Royal College Person seemed a bit insincere

I agree 100%. She was just backed into a corner in my opinion. But at least it was an admission. Just glad it helped many of us get more understanding. 

[Altostrata]

 I think it was hard for Wendy Burn of RCPsych to admit she had been wrong, but she did it, and on the public record.

[JanCarol]

On 9/6/2023 at 3:16 PM, Altostrata said:

 I think it was hard for Wendy Burn of RCPsych to admit she had been wrong, but she did it, and on the public record.

That means something.  "Sorry" means something, even if you are backed into a corner.

 

How many haven't said sorry?

[Mamgu]

On the topic of the Beeb, Radio 4 this morning on their Today programme mentioned our plight, I didn't hear the whole article as I was waking up so half dozing half awake (I really hope I didn't dream it though :-/) .  But I did hear mention of Drs misdiagnosing withdrawal and a very long tapering programme was recommended.  I felt it's good that this was discussed on another platform so well done BBC 👍 

[Altostrata]

5 hours ago, Mamgu said:

But I did hear mention of Drs misdiagnosing withdrawal and a very long tapering programme was recommended. 

 

Big step forward if this is common knowledge!

[jon1]

I think the Radio 4 segment was probably reporting on the news that the only UK support line specifically for people experiencing antidepressant withdrawal is being closed down, and people will be directed to another service that doesn't provide the same service.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-66606405

 

While the story isn't good for those in the UK who need help, it is very encouraging that the BBC continues to place news like this in priority locations. It was on the front page of the BBC News website for all of yesterday.

[ChelseaMorning]

Yes @Jon1 you are correct that is what the segment was about. For those interested to listen to it, it is on the 14/09/23 Radio 4 today programme starting just after 54mins in.

[Katy398]

 

On 9/4/2023 at 11:01 AM, JanCarol said:

Imagine my delight when I accidentally tuned into ABC Four Corners and saw the Panorama show.  OMG - there's Alto on my TV!!!!  And our Website!!!!  Good to see Horowitz and Healy & Moncrieff - I was bouncing up and down on the couch!

It was truly amazing and I too was thrilled @JanCarol BUT, I was so disappointed by the cuts taken out of the original Panorama version. Particularly  Joanna Moncrieff’s work surrounding the Chemical Imbalance Theory,  and Tony Kendrick,  stating that in the UK they now train students NOT to prescribe ADs for less severe symptoms. The Australian general public have a right to know. We are one of the worlds highest prescribers after all and I still speak to GPs in Australia who mention a Chemical Imbalance! Here is the uncut version for those who are interested. https://rumble.com/v2wlt7g-the-antidepressant-story-bbc-panorama-documentary.html
 

 

[JanCarol]

Thanks @Katy398 I didn't know we hadn't seen the whole thing.  LOL we burned it to disc, too.  

 

Still - I'm here today because ABC is following on from Panorama, interviewed Mark Horowitz (who is apparently Aussie-born, didn't know that) - and apparently have done other AM shows either with him, or about the "harms" topic.

The interviewer seems clueless, I can hear her thinking "But people need these drugs, right?" and it shows in her line of questioning.

Don't know if this is viewable outside Oz, but:  https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sydney-mornings/horowitz/103383522?utm_campaign=abc_listen&utm_content=mail&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_listen

 

Additionally, they featured an article on someone harmed in withdrawal:  https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-29/brain-zaps-and-antidepressant-withdrawal-issues/103233634

 

 

[jon1]

Thanks for that!

 

I could listen to it here in the UK no problem.

 

I agree she did seem a bit clueless, even disinterested. Confusing other psych drugs with antidepressants at one point.

 

At least a few more people would have heard about it though.