Irving Kirsch

Irving Kirsch is an American psychologist best known for his research on the efficacy of antidepressant medications. He gained attention for his work suggesting that the effects of these medications may be largely due to the placebo response rather than the drugs themselves. Kirsch argues that the psychological factors influencing mood can sometimes be more powerful than the chemical effects of medication. His findings have sparked debates about mental health treatment, emphasizing the importance of therapy and non-pharmaceutical approaches alongside, or instead of, traditional drug treatments for depression.