I realize you are speaking statistically.

I'm just saying that, in my experience, antidepressants have made a positive impact in my life and those around me and I am quite convinced that this is not a placebo effect.

Ethan suggests starting with lowered doses of an active ingredient ( with harmful side effects. )

I think he said he suggests offering that to someone, telling them of the [potential] side effects [side effects do not always occur], and letting them decide if they want to try it. Ethan should clarify; I may have misunderstood.

And even if there are side effects, the benefits could outweigh them.

the problem in the case of antidepressants is that the results are very clear that treatment provides strong undeniable relief for many. AND that this relief is the placebo effect.

That may prove valid statistically under studies you cite, I don't know. I don't care to read all of the data. I know they can provide relief and NOT be a placebo effect in one case.

Bottom line for me is, if a pedo (or anyone, of course, but to keep on topic, a pedo) feels better about himself and can function better for himself and those around him by taking antidepressants, I support that use of medicine. Whether it is a placebo effect or not does not matter, if it helps. And it is not always a placebo effect.

But if the choice is forego treatment or receive treatment, the results speak for themselves. Unfortunately the benefit/risk ratio leads to the conclusion that medicating with a placebo while telling folks that it's an antidepressant is the best route to go with.

Its either THAT, or remove most of them from the market until we can find something whose ingredients actually have an effect.

I disagree on the finding that it works for me.

The one thing that's indefensible is continuing to treat with something we know does no better but whose risks are very real.

Agreed if it really does no better. Since I know it can do better, I defend.

In focusing on statistics, there is danger in losing sight of real benefits in minority cases. Pedophilia is a minority (arguable) but depression is (probably) prevalent among pedophiles. Let's not let the baby go down the drain with the bathwater.