Coming of Age on Zoloft: How Antidepressants Cheered Us Up, Let Us Down, and Changed Who We Are Kindle Edition

Ms. Sharpe deserves great praise for this work, which puts into easy-to-read and engaging writing the issues surrounding antidepressant use in our society today and the way its increased prevalence has shaped the debate of what is considered "mental illness" as opposed to the normal ups and downs of life. Sharpe also raises thought-provoking questions about the way antidepressant use affects one's sense of self and one's relationship with his or her own thoughts, and thoughtfully frames the discussion in the context of the American ideal of being both authentic and happy, a paradigm that seems difficult to reconcile with antidepressant use or lack thereof for a depressed individual. The author provides not only scientific and sociological research but also personal context for each of the topics touched upon. Most importantly, this book is very important in today's day and age, as more and more Americans are on antidepressants than ever before, especially those starting from a young age; Ms. Sharpe's use of interview snippets from many young people who have struggled with depression, anxiety, and other issues and faced their own soul-searching in the process of taking medication buttresses her claims and provides a much-needed personal touch. Highly recommended and am looking forward to future written works by Katherine Sharpe.

This is not your typical hack job against drugs -- this book is thoughtful and well researched. I love the way she integrates her own experience with information, like how antidepressants were discovered, the problems with defining depression anyway, and thoughts about how we as a whole culture feel about happiness and success. A long time ago, I came to realize that parents who say "I only want my child to be happy" are the most demanding parents of all. My own children have both had "happiness" problems and I wish I had had this book a long time ago. It doesn't tell you that antidepressants are uselesss -- quite the contrary. She talked to a lot of people with different experiences. But this book makes you think, and if you or your children need to take antidepressants, this book will help you talk about it.

Antidepressant use in children and adolescents, as well as their continued use into adulthood, is an interesting topic that is covered well in this book. The book makes you ask tough questions, and look hard at the use of antidepressants. The book brings up new issues, and deals with them through interviews and well-written commentary throughout. I would highly recommend the book to anyone who has ever taken an antidepressant, or is interested in the field of psychology.

This book could be useful for anyone considering taking anti-depressants to gain an understanding of the pros and cons. The personal accounts are all young people, but many of the issues could apply to pelple of any age. I am a person of age and found the discussion to be very interesting and helpful.

I couldn't finish the book. I think it would have been better written as an article, not a whole book.

Good read for anyone who has struggled with this.It's also good social commentary on depression in the 21st century.

Great book that gives insight and historical information for anyone on antidepressants.

I enjoyed the item & would purchase it again form this seller

As someone who has struggled with medication and the idea of taking it this book was a godsend. The see that many others have felt trapped in a kind of confused and existential crisis makes you feel more normal.

Excellent - well written, reassuring and comprehensive. Very interesting.

Makes you think. Recommend this book!