Ted's Podcast on Mental Health and Mental Illness

Psychiatric drug development: Are we in a rut?

Ted Dinan

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0:00 | 14:44

The 1950s were the golden age of psychiatric drug development.  Along came antipsychotics and antidepressants.

Are the newer drugs better than the older drugs in terms of efficacy?  The answer unquestionably is no.   They are no more effective but have different side effects.

Is there still a role for old drugs?  Yes, there is.

Should benzodiazepines be used to treat anxiety or sleep disturbance?  Not always, but for many people, yes.