Episode Details
Back to EpisodesCrossing Zero: The Art & Science of Deprescribing with Anders Sorensen | The Gaslit Truth Podcast with Dr Richard Blake, Dr Teralyn Sell and Therapist Jenn Schmitz
Description
When you've been told your brain chemistry is permanently broken, the idea of coming off psychiatric medication can feel terrifying—or even impossible. But what if everything you've been told about these drugs is based on an outdated model?
Psychologist Anders Sorensen joins us to shatter the myths surrounding psychiatric medication and share evidence-based approaches to safely tapering off these drugs. With his PhD in psychiatry and years of clinical experience, Anders brings a unique perspective that bridges psychological understanding with pharmacological expertise.
At the heart of our conversation is SERT occupancy—the mechanism by which antidepressants affect brain chemistry. Anders explains why even "baby doses" can have powerful effects and why standard tapering approaches often fail. His hyperbolic tapering method follows the actual biological curve of how medications work, preventing the withdrawal symptoms that are often misinterpreted as relapse.
We challenge the chemical imbalance theory and explore how psychiatric drugs function not as disease treatments but as strategies for emotion regulation. This fundamental reframing opens up possibilities for therapists to play a crucial role in helping clients navigate the tapering process—something traditionally considered outside their scope of practice.
Anders' new book, "Crossing Zero: The Art and Science of Coming Off and Staying Off Psychiatric Drugs," offers both practical guidance and psychological insights for anyone considering discontinuation. The book deliberately places tapering instructions after extensive context about our relationship with emotions and challenging dominant narratives around mental health.
Ready to reconsider what you've been told about psychiatric medication? This episode might just change your perspective on healing and what's truly possible for your mental health journey.
We're recruiting for a first-of-its-kind psychiatric medication withdrawal research study. If you've experienced psychiatric medication withdrawal, you may be eligible to participate. Email DrTeralyn@DrTeralyn.com to learn more.
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💊 Ready to Deprescribe Your Psych Meds?
Psych meds have harmed us—and we’re not just survivors, we’re deeply educated in psychopharmacology, psychology, and nutrition. As hosts of The Gaslit Truth Podcast, we guide people safely off psychiatric medications with strategies grounded in science and brain health
🔥 You’ve been harmed. You’ve been dismissed. It’s time to take your brain back—with guidance from people who’ve been there and know their stuff.
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