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The "happy pill" myth: why antidepressants are nothing like what you imagine

If you or someone you love has been prescribed an antidepressant, you have probably heard conflicting things — from friends, from online forums, perhaps even from other doctors. Are they addictive? Do they cause suicidal thoughts? Will you need to take them forever? Are they even working, or is it all just placebo ? As a  psychiatrist practicing in Sharjah, UAE, I have these conversations every week. Misconceptions about antidepressants are widespread — and they matter, because fear and misinformation stop people from getting treatment that could genuinely change their lives. This article walks through the most common concerns, one by one, using the latest research available. My goal is not to be a cheerleader for medication, but to give you an honest, evidence-based picture so you can make informed decisions with your doctor. 1. Do Antidepressants Actually Work for Depression? This is the most fundamental question, and the honest answer is: yes — but with important caveats. ...
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The Psychiatrist's View on School Refusal: Understanding the 'Why' and the Path to Return

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  Dr Zoheb Raj, MD For a child, saying "I don't want to go to school" is a common morning refrain. But when that refusal evolves into chronic distress, physical symptoms, and persistent absences, it crosses the line into School Refusal Behavior (SRB) . As a psychiatrist, I want parents and educators to understand that this is not a sign of poor discipline or simple defiance; it is almost always a signal of underlying emotional or psychological distress that requires clinical attention. School Refusal: A Cry for Help, Not a Choice School refusal is defined by difficulty attending school or remaining in school for an entire day, often accompanied by severe emotional distress (anxiety, panic) and physical complaints (headaches, stomach aches) that disappear once the child is allowed to stay home. Crucially, the child is typically not refusing to learn or to socialize; they are refusing to cope with the environment that triggers their distress. The ultimate goal of the child...
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