Jesse Kelly from “The First” recently engaged Dr. Witt-Doerring in a discussion about the underlying issues fueling mental health challenges and the consequent rise in violence.
The segment begins with a provocative remark from RFK Jr., asserting that “We are the most over-medicated nation in the world.”
“We have always had firearms. Yet, today we see individuals with profound psychological issues entering schools and places of worship to commit mass killings, followed by their own demise. This is an unimaginable tragedy, and we must identify the root causes. What could they be?” Kelly probed.
“When examining the factors contributing to mass shootings, there’s undoubtedly an element of societal contagion. However, Bobby’s assertion regarding the role of psychiatric medications is largely accurate,” Dr. Witt-Doerring asserted.
Dr. Witt-Doerring elaborated that certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can, under specific circumstances, act as a catalyst for extreme behavior. In rare scenarios, they may lead to increased aggression or suicidal tendencies.
“This danger is often concealed in plain sight. The labels on these drugs clearly indicate their potential to incite aggression or transform non-suicidal individuals into suicidal ones,” Dr. Witt-Doerring stated emphatically.
“It’s crucial to note that these occurrences are not commonplace. We’re discussing paradoxical effects that arise in rare instances, wherein certain medications might heighten aggression in some individuals,” he continued.
Remarkably, Dr. Witt-Doerring noted that mainstream media often neglects this discussion. “There have been several legal cases where courts have determined a link between these medications and incidents of suicide or mass violence,” he mentioned.
“How is it possible that nine individuals taking the same medication experience lethargy, while the tenth one becomes a violent perpetrator? How can such drastically different outcomes occur?” Kelly inquired.
Dr. Witt-Doerring responded by explaining that if someone harbors violent thoughts, medication can enhance the possibility of acting on those impulses.
“These medications can exert a spectrum effect. For instance, if an individual has existing homicidal ideation and is prescribed a disinhibiting medication—one that dulls emotional responses, which is characteristic of many SSRIs—they may become more prone to acting on those violent thoughts,” Dr. Witt-Doerring elucidated.
“These medications can induce psychosis in some individuals, leading them to commit acts of violence even if they had previously displayed no signs of aggression,” Dr. Witt-Doerring cautioned.
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