This autobiographical chronicle intertwines the rise of the second psychopharmacology revolution—spearheaded by the antidepressant Prozac—with the life journey of a physician who, after a first encounter with psychiatric drugs while serving as a military doctor, struggles for decades with depression, anxiety, and the very medications prescribed to treat him. What emerges is a candid, deeply personal, and well-informed perspective on the flaws and dangers of modern psychiatric treatment models and on the false narrative of the "chemical imbalance" or serotonin-deficiency theory of depression.
This memoir stands as a testament to the profound irony that (1) psychiatric drugs consistently fail to address the root causes of mental illness and instead inflict long-term harm, and (2) the psychiatric revolution of the last four decades has been driven less by genuine scientific discovery than by the financial interest of pharmaceutical companies and the psychiatric establishment—psychiatry's modern-day gold rush.
Although psychiatric drugs are not classified as "drugs of abuse" in the same sense as cocaine or heroin, nearly all of them carry addictive potential. They alter the brain and body in ways that lead to painful withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. Research shows that between 50 and 80 percent of patients experience withdrawal when stopping antidepressants without gradual tapering; in half of those cases, the symptoms are severe. With benzodiazepines, the ordeal is even harsher—sudden cessation or rapid tapering can provoke a nearly unbearable agony, eerily similar to stopping a street drug "cold turkey." To capture this torment, Dr. Alejandro coined the phrase "Benzo Bends"—a metaphor drawn from the excruciating pain suffered by divers who ascend too quickly to the surface.
The narrative is not only about suffering. From beginning to end, the story is abundantly enriched with inspiring, endearing, and even lighthearted anecdotes. These vignettes lend depth and humanity, balancing the painful struggles with moments of warmth, humor, and resilience.
Spanning decades, this journey through the troubled waters of antidepressants and other psychiatric treatments—including electroshock therapy—and Dr. Alejandro's eventual extrication during his golden years offers both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope. It sheds light on the hidden peril of "modern" psychiatric practices and underscores the urgent need for patients with mental health challenges to remain vigilant, informed, and empowered when seeking psychiatric treatment.
About the Author :
Frank V. Alejandro, M.D., was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and commissioned in the U.S. Air Force upon graduating magna cum laude from the University of Puerto Rico–Río Piedras. He earned his medical degree from the UPR School of Medicine, completed his internship at Keesler USAF Medical Center, and went on to pursue specialty training in Nuclear Medicine—enriched with significant exposure to Radiology—at the University of Arkansas for the Health Sciences in Little Rock.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Alejandro combined clinical practice, research, and teaching, across military, federal, and civilian institutions. He served as Chief of the Nuclear Biology Division at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute in Bethesda Maryland, Chief of Nuclear Medicine at Malcolm Grow USAF Medical Center, and Assistant Chief of Nuclear Medicine at the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center. His career also led him to leadership roles at Prince Georges General Hospital in Maryland and the Teacher's Association Hospital in San Juan.
Teaching remained a central thread to Dr. Alejandro. He held an appointment as Clinical Associate Professor of Radiology at George Washington University and lectured at the Uniformed Services University for the Health Sciences, sharing both his clinical insights and research experience. Over the years, he authored or co-authored dozens of scientific articles in nuclear medicine and radiation biology, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in both clinical practice and biomedical research.
Now retired as a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, he lives in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, with his wife. He is the father of three daughters, grandfather of five grandchildren, and an accomplished accordion player, his favorite pastime and source of inspiration throughout his journey.
