# 16 Antidepressants (SSRI's)

# 16 Antidepressants (SSRI's)

From Your Mom on Drugs by Joshua Klaus and Jennifer Seltzer

October 20, 2025 · 1h 20m · Season 1 · Episode 16

About this episode

This episode explores the science and myths surrounding SSRIs, the most prescribed mental health medications, and their role in modern treatment.

Are antidepressants really just about serotonin? In this episode, we dig into the science, the myths, and the messy truth behind SSRIs — the world’s most prescribed mental health medications. In this episode of Your Mom on Drugs , we explore how Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) became the cornerstone of modern mental health treatment. From their scientific origins in the 1980s to their widespread use today for depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD, we break down how these drugs work, what makes them effective, and why serotonin alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Drawing on clinical research and patient experience, we compare SSRIs to psychotherapy, exercise, and other antidepressant classes , unpacking when each approach works best — and when it doesn’t. We also tackle common myths : whether SSRIs are addictive, personality-changing, or “quick fixes.” By the end, you’ll understand how these medications fit into a bigger picture of brain health, emotional healing, and holistic recovery.

People in this episode

Hosts: Joshua Klaus, Jennifer Seltzer

Topics covered

  • antidepressants
  • SSRIs
  • mental health
  • treatment methods
  • myths about medication
  • brain health
  • emotional healing

Keywords

  • SSRIs
  • antidepressants
  • mental health
  • serotonin
  • psychotherapy
  • exercise
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • OCD
  • PTSD

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, OCD, PTSD, anxiety, depression

Products: SSRIs

More episodes of Your Mom on Drugs

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Your Mom on Drugs podcast page.