Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Sparks Controversy Over Antidepressants

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. officially took office as Secretary of Health and Human Services after being sworn in, marking the start of President Donald Trump’s health initiative under the “Make America Healthy Again” commission. Hours later, President Trump signed an executive order tasking Kennedy and his team with prioritizing research into the underlying causes of illness in the United States. Part of this ambitious plan includes assessing the prevalence and risks associated with antidepressants and other medications.  

Kennedy’s confirmation hearings drew attention due to his controversial comments on antidepressants, including the claim that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are “as addictive as heroin.” Kennedy, who has been in recovery from heroin addiction for over 40 years, stated, “I know people, including members of my family, who’ve had a much worse time getting off of SSRIs than people have getting off heroin.”  

However, decades of scientific research have repeatedly confirmed that antidepressants do not cause addiction. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the gold standard for psychiatric diagnosis, recognizes antidepressant discontinuation syndrome—a condition that can occur when stopping antidepressants abruptly—but does not classify antidepressants as substances linked to substance use disorders.  

Smita Das, MD, PhD, MPH, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine, expressed concern about Kennedy’s statements, warning that comparing antidepressants to addictive substances like heroin could lead to unnecessary distress for those relying on psychiatric medications.  

“I worry that if we bucket the two together—antidepressants and substances related to addiction—that it could cause a lot of confusion and suffering for patients who do need these very important medications,” Das said.  

Dependence vs. Addiction  

The distinction between antidepressant dependence and addiction has been explored in studies for over two decades. Antidepressants can cause discontinuation symptoms as the body adjusts to the absence of the medication, often resulting in flu-like symptoms for a few days. These symptoms, however, reflect the body’s adaptation to the drug—not addiction.  

A 2024 meta-analysis of 79 studies revealed that approximately 15% of people who stop taking antidepressants experience discontinuation symptoms. Das emphasized that dependence differs significantly from addiction, which involves compulsive drug use that interferes with daily life and responsibilities, worsens health outcomes, and creates an inability to stop taking the substance.  

Das used caffeine as an analogy to explain the concept of dependence versus addiction. “When I stopped drinking coffee, I had a couple of days of headaches and sluggishness, which resolved,” she said. Caffeine addiction, unlike dependence, would involve behaviors disrupting her life, such as needing larger amounts of coffee to function, abandoning responsibilities for caffeine, or struggling intensely to quit.  

“We just don’t see people with these addiction symptoms when it comes to antidepressants,” Das explained.  

The Role of Antidepressants and Patient Care  

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to address a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Das noted that treatment often includes psychotherapy or lifestyle modifications in addition to medication.  

Given the variety of antidepressants available, each individual’s experience with these medications may differ based on how they respond to the drug and its side effects. For patients who wish to reduce or stop taking their medication, Das recommends working with their healthcare provider to gradually taper the dosage rather than stopping abruptly.  

Das suggests reframing the discussion around antidepressants to reduce stigmas. “If we were to talk about other illnesses, such as heart disease or diabetes, there’s often less stigma associated with taking a medication for those needs,” she noted. “The brain is also a very important organ, and we need to make sure we’re giving it the same importance and attention as the rest of the body.”  

Kennedy’s controversial remarks have amplified debates about antidepressants and their use. While his bold claims have raised concerns among experts, the broader conversation highlights the necessity of separating evidence-based understanding of psychiatric medications from misconceptions that could mislead or distress patients. Public health efforts must focus on fostering informed use of vital medications in an era where mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of overall well-being.