Makes one curious when SSRIs became mainstream
This. Plus another factor is that “mass shooters” are usually boys from homes with no father. So they were never raised to respect the firearms and participate in what we call the gun culture. In an historically normal gun owning family, the father would teach respect for firearms, safety, etc. But when boys are raised on the street, that never happens.
Prozac (from “prosaic”) - fluoxetine - approved by FDA in 1987, first marketed in 1988.
Mainstream? No other antidepressant class of medications has had such clinical success other than ketamine (an NMDA receptor blocker affecting glutamate biochemistry).
SSRI’s main effects on alleviating major depressive disorder (and anxiety) is SO profound, many of the generally recognized negative side effects are largely ignored.
Including, many such as JFK Jr (and myself, a family physician going on 35 years’ practice) believe, homicidality (suicide is frequently mentioned as a TOP adverse side effect of SSRI therapy).
Always with the tradeoffs though, like guns saving lives.
Yup. That's what RFK Jr. is implying.
>>Makes one curious when SSRIs became mainstream<<
Bingo! I asked AI to explore this:
Columbine High School Mass Shooting occurred April 20, 1999
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) have a significant history in the United States, particularly in the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders. Here’s an overview of their history:
1. Development and Early Use (1970s-1980s)
SSRIs were first developed in the 1970s as a new class of antidepressants. The goal was to create medications that would have fewer side effects than the existing treatments, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
The first SSRI, fluoxetine, was developed by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1987 and marketed under the brand name Prozac.
2. Prozac and the Rise of SSRIs (1987-1990s)
Prozac quickly became popular due to its perceived effectiveness and relatively mild side effect profile compared to earlier antidepressants. Its success helped pave the way for other SSRIs to enter the market.
Throughout the 1990s, other SSRIs were developed and approved by the FDA, including sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa), and fluvoxamine (Luvox).
3. Widespread Use and Cultural Impact (1990s-2000s)
By the 1990s, SSRIs became the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants in the U.S. They were not only used for depression but also for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other conditions.
The popularity of SSRIs led to significant cultural discussions about the role of medication in treating mental health, the medicalization of mood, and the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.
4. Concerns and Controversies (2000s-Present)
As SSRIs became widely used, concerns arose about their side effects, including the risk of increased suicidal thoughts and behavior in young people. In 2004, the FDA issued a “black box” warning—the strongest warning the FDA can give—about the risk of suicide in children, adolescents, and young adults taking SSRIs.
There has also been ongoing debate about the effectiveness of SSRIs, particularly for mild to moderate depression, with some studies suggesting that their benefits might be minimal for certain patients compared to placebo.
Despite these controversies, SSRIs remain one of the most commonly prescribed classes of medications for depression and other mental health disorders in the U.S.
5. Current Status
Today, SSRIs continue to be a mainstay in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. They are often considered first-line treatments due to their generally favorable side effect profile compared to older antidepressants.
Newer SSRIs and related medications, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), have also been developed to provide more options for patients with different needs.
SSRIs have had a profound impact on the treatment of mental health conditions in the U.S., shaping both clinical practice and public perceptions of mental health treatment.