Date: July 18, 2005

Cruise vs. Shields – Debate over Psychiatry The War of the Words

Actors Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields have engaged in a public battle over psychiatry and antidepressants recently. Shields revealed in her book Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression that after the birth of her child, she suffered from post-partum depression and began taking Paxil, prescribed by her physician. Shields is one of millions of Americans taking and benefiting from antidepressants.

In a June 24 interview with Matt Lauer on NBC’s Today Show, Tom Cruise openly discussed his thoughts on psychiatry and medication. The actor said he does not believe in psychiatry nor does he feel drugs used to control the symptoms of mental illness benefit patients. His criticism of Shields for turning to psychiatry started a highly publicized debate between the two celebrities. For anyone taking this kind of pharmaceutical or who has loved ones taking antidepressants, it is important to understand the clinical side.

“Each day, thousands of people across Texas are able to hold down jobs and lead normal existences because of the benefits of pharmaceuticals that help regulate brain chemistry,” says Sally Walden, M.A., director of Network Services for Spindletop MHMR. “It’s OK for two actors to debate their opinions about these drugs, but it’s important for people to understand that these medications are necessary for many people suffering from depression, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.”

Here’s a look at portions of the transcript of that interview and Walden’s response about the reality of treatment for mental disorders.

Cruise: And when I started studying the history of psychiatry, I understood more and more why I didn't believe in psychology…And I know that psychiatry is a pseudo science.

Walden explains, “Psychiatry is a real science, but it is not an exact science. We don’t have an exact set of tests for the brain as we do for the heart. For instance, an EKG measures heart function and can detect damage. Part of the science of psychiatry is the art of knowing what combination of medication, therapy and other resources are going to be most effective with each person.”

Cruise: …Here we are today, where I talk out against drugs and psychiatric abuses of electric shocking people, okay, against their will, of drugging children with them not knowing the effects of these drugs. Do you know what Adderall is? Do you know Ritalin? Do you know now that Ritalin is a street drug? Do you understand that?

“I don’t know of anyone who is shocked against their will. Patients must consent to treatment,” says Walden.

“We have never used ECT or electric convulsive therapy at Spindletop MHMR. It is rarely used today, but it can be an effective treatment for those with chronic depression who cannot function. It’s not done arbitrarily and is considered a last resort.

“He is right about the illegal use of pharmaceuticals on the street. It is true that many prescription drugs are sold on the streets and used illegally. Viagra and Vicodin are examples, so are Ritalin and Adderall. The abuse of a pharmaceutical does not devalue its therapeutic use to help people who need it. The benefits far outweigh the potential for abuse.”

Ritalin and Adderall are prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These drugs slow brain activity so an individual can focus, which allows learning to take place. The social benefits of these medications are obvious.

“Children with ADD and ADHD often have a difficult time making friends,” explains Walden. “Kids who do not make friends often have impaired self-esteem, they may become socially isolated and this can lead to anxiety, depression and other emotional problems down the line.”

Cruise: All it (medication) does is mask the problem, Matt [Lauer]. And if you understand the history of it, it masks the problem. That's what it does. That's all it does. You're not getting to the reason why. There is no such thing as a chemical imbalance.

Walden says, “Use of medication can change brain chemistry. If medication causes symptoms to go away, then it’s not ‘masking’ them, it’s relieving them. This was great for Brooke Shields,”

In the interview, Cruise suggests that vitamins and exercise can take the place of medication.

“When people who have schizophrenia stop taking medicine, they can become psychotic, hear voices and, in extreme cases, become violent and a danger to themselves or others when responding to these auditory hallucinations. Anti-psychotic medications combat these symptoms and can return the person to a pretty normal life. Vitamin B-12 cannot do this. Vitamins and exercise are great, but this alone will not take care of many brain disorders,” says Walden.

One of the things that make America great is freedom of speech and the fact that people can disagree. Celebrities, politicians, physicians and anyone else can engage in public discourse about any issue. Although this is interesting to watch, one must be cautious about making decisions based on what celebrities say and do.

“I think the danger is that because Tom Cruise is in the public eye and he comes across as being knowledgeable, that people will think he is credible. Some people may assume that they should stop taking medication,” says Walden, adding that scientists and psychiatrists have worked their entire lives studying and treating these brain disorders.

“I would hate for someone who’s suffering from bipolar disorder, depression, post- partum depression or any other mental illness to hear Tom Cruise and stop taking the prescribed medication,” she concludes.

If you have questions about anti-psychotic drugs, call us. If you or someone close to you is taking this type of medication, do not stop without thoroughly discussing the impact of this with your care provider.

For more information about this topic or any mental health, mental retardation or substance abuse issues, contact Spindletop MHMR at (409)-839-2226.